Gripping Device Transport and Sealing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machine technologies require a significant number of format parts and do not allow for flexible configuration of the workflow for filling and sealing processes, limiting their adaptability to different container and closure types.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a gripping device on a handling unit, specifically a multi-axis, servo-driven robot arm, to simultaneously transport and seal containers by picking up closures and containers, integrating the sealing process into the transport chain, allowing for flexible movement sequences and adaptable speed and acceleration to various closure formats and machine outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional packaging machines with rotating star wheels and pick and place units are used, then containers can be sealed, but a considerable amount of format parts are required and the workflow configuration is inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport function and sealing function into a single integrated process. The container is transported by a star wheel while a closure is simultaneously applied by a closing unit, merging two previously separate operations into one coordinated action. This reduces the number of separate format parts needed while maintaining sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The star wheel is designed to accommodate different container types and sizes through adjustable positioning, making it a universal transport mechanism. The closing unit can also adapt to various closure types, creating a multi-functional system that reduces the need for dedicated format parts for each container-closure combination.
2Productivity
If traditional packaging machines with separate transport and sealing units are used, then containers can be moved and sealed, but the process requires considerable production time and cannot be carried out simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous motion throughout the sealing process. The star wheel rotates continuously to transport containers, while the closing unit operates simultaneously during the transport cycle. This eliminates idle time between transport and sealing operations, maintaining continuous useful action and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the transport and sealing operations into a single simultaneous process, the patent eliminates the sequential time required for separate operations. The container is transported and sealed in one coordinated motion cycle, reducing total production time while increasing throughput.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional packaging machines are designed for specific container and closure formats, then sealing can be performed, but the machine cannot be flexibly reconfigured for different formats
Solution Approach 1:
The star wheel and closing unit are designed with dynamic, adjustable positioning capabilities. The star wheel can be repositioned to accommodate different container diameters and heights, while the closing unit can adjust its closure application position. This dynamic adjustability allows easy reconfiguration for different formats without requiring machine redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into modular components with independent adjustment capabilities. The star wheel module can be repositioned separately from the closing unit module, allowing flexible reconfiguration for different container-closure combinations. This segmentation enables easy adaptation to new formats by adjusting individual modules rather than reconfiguring the entire system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient, flexible, and cost-effective container sealing, reducing production time and integrating transport into the sealing process, while maintaining secure handling of containers to prevent spills and ensure constant vacuum supply, suitable for various container shapes and sizes, including pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping device (1) has first suction openings (21) for fixing the container (4) and second suction openings (34) for fixing the closure (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for closing containers (4) by means of a closure (5) in a gripping device (1). Said method consists of the following steps : the closure (5) is picked up in the gripping device (5), the container (4) is picked up in the gripping device (1), the container (4) is closed by means of the closure (5) in the gripping device (1) and the closed container (4) is deposited by the gripping device (1). Said gripping device (1) is displaced by a handling unit (81) from a first position (86) in to a second position (87) for transporting the container (4), and the container (4) is closed whilst the handling unit (81) is displaced by the gripping device (1).