Laser Alignment Tool for Capping Machine Chuck Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle capping machines face challenges in accurately aligning the capping chuck with the bottle end, leading to inefficiencies in the capping process.

Innovation Solution

A laser alignment tool comprising an adapter housing, a laser bore housing with a laser pointer, and a laser center platform mounted with a magnet, which is adaptable to a headset or spindle on a capping machine, ensuring precise alignment by projecting a laser beam onto the bottle end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional alignment methods are used for capping chuck with bottle end, then the capping process can proceed, but alignment precision is insufficient leading to inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcapping process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an optical laser-based alignment system. The laser alignment tool projects a laser beam to create a precise reference line, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment and providing consistent, high-precision alignment for the capping chuck with the bottle end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary reference element between the alignment system and the capping chuck. The laser beam serves as a visual guide and reference line that mediates the alignment process, allowing operators to accurately position the capping chuck relative to the bottle end without direct mechanical contact or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment adjustment is performed, then the capping machine can operate, but alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapping alignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The laser alignment tool is designed to be self-aligning and self-referencing. Once the laser is activated, it automatically provides a stable reference line without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The system serves itself by maintaining a consistent optical reference that guides the capping chuck alignment throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary alignment by establishing the laser reference line before the capping operation begins. This pre-established optical reference eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, as the alignment framework is already in place to guide the capping chuck positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the alignment precision of the capping chuck with the bottle end, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the bottle capping process.

Implementation Method 1

a laser pointer contained in the laser bore housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the lower end contains a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11772950B2Laser alignment tool for capping heads in a capping machine
Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SCOTT MIKE
  • US11772950B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser alignment tool for capping heads. The laser alignment tool comprising in combination an adapter housing that is adaptable to a headset or spindle on a capping machine, a laser bore housing, a laser pointer contained in the laser bore housing and a laser center platform.