Grouping Unit for Cylindrical Containers with Synchronized Carriages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for grouping cylindrical containers either fail to maintain proper orientation during linear advancement or require format changes to achieve different configurations, lacking simplicity and flexibility in packaging.
Innovation Solution
A grouping unit with two juxtaposed lines and a transport device that uses synchronized carriages with grasping systems, allowing for oriented container placement in various configurations without format changes, using magnetic or vacuum action to manage and restrain containers for efficient packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clustering machines are used to group containers, then packaging can be performed, but the containers cannot be properly oriented during linear advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides containers into individual handling units using separate carriages for each container, allowing independent orientation control. Each carriage can be individually positioned and oriented, enabling precise control over container placement while maintaining overall group orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical orientation systems with a synchronized carriage system that uses coordinated movement and positioning. The carriages are controlled to move in sync, maintaining container orientation through coordinated mechanical action rather than rigid mechanical constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If format changes are implemented to achieve different container configurations, then various packaging formats can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable carriage positioning to achieve different packaging formats. The carriages can be repositioned along the linear advancement path to create various configurations (2x2, 2x3, 2x4, etc.) without changing mechanical parts, allowing flexible format adaptation through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The same set of carriages serves multiple functions by being repositioned to create different packaging configurations. The universal carriage design can handle various container arrangements (different formats) without requiring format-specific mechanical components, achieving multi-functionality through a single adaptable system.
3Quantity of substance
If containers are placed in abutment against each other, then packaging density increases, but control over inter-container distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized carriage system incorporates feedback control to maintain precise inter-container distances. The carriages are controlled to move in coordination, with positioning feedback ensuring that containers are placed at the correct spacing whether in abutment or with predetermined gaps, allowing both high density and precise control.
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
Enables efficient and flexible grouping of containers in multiple formats like 2x2, 2x3, etc., maintaining orientation and allowing for high-speed packaging without format changes, optimizing the use of restraining elements for sales packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The handling systems 25 preferably comprise at least a pair of elastic jaws 27, such as spring pliers or deformation pliers, for grasping on containers 11 along a vertical axis.
Implementation Method 2
The handling systems 25 preferably comprise at least a pair of elastic jaws 27, such as spring pliers or deformation pliers, for grasping on containers 11 along a vertical axis.
Data Source
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AI summary
A grouping unit of cylindrical containers comprising at least a grouping line (10), in each grouping line (10) it comprises a step feeder (12) of cylindrical containers (11), a star transfer (13) of the containers provided with orienting means, a transport device (20) of the containers, wherein the transport device (20) comprises a plurality of carriages (21), each one having a handling system (25) for a single container (11), the transport device (20) having a closed loop path comprising an advancement branch (23a), along which the carriages (21) bearing the containers advance along the feeding direction (X), and a return branch (23b), along which the, empty, carriages (21) go back along the opposed direction, wherein each one of the carriages (21) is singularly and independently controllable along the closed path of the transport device (20). A related grouping method of containers is also part of the invention.