Lid Application Device with Force Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and applying lids to beverage containers are inefficient, leading to unsanitary conditions, waste, and spills due to manual handling and incorrect lid sizing, which complicates the management of lids in food service environments.
Innovation Solution
A container lid application device featuring a dispense assembly, press assembly, transport assembly, and rotator assembly that automatically indexes, grasps, and secures lids onto containers without human contact, using a force limiter to prevent excessive force and ensure a uniform seal, powered entirely by physical user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lids are provided in stacks for self-serve access, then patrons can access lids independently, but unsanitary conditions and waste are created due to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical lid application device acts as an intermediary between the lid stack and the cup, automatically dispensing and applying lids without human contact. The device includes a lid holder that stacks lids vertically, a dispensing mechanism that releases individual lids, and an application mechanism that places lids on cups, eliminating the need for patrons to manually handle lids from open stacks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lid sizes are provided for different cup sizes, then various cup sizes can be accommodated, but incorrect lid selection leads to waste and spills
Solution Approach 1:
The lid application device is designed with adjustable components that can be configured for specific lid and cup sizes. The lid holder accommodates different lid dimensions, and the application mechanism can be adjusted to match specific cup openings, ensuring the correct lid size is applied to each cup type and eliminating incorrect lid selection.
3Device complexity
If patrons manually apply lids to cups, then lid application can be performed without equipment, but excessive force causes cup collapse and spills
Solution Approach 1:
The lid application device incorporates a force-limiting mechanism that provides feedback control during lid application. A spring-loaded or electronically controlled actuator applies force to press the lid onto the cup, automatically adjusting the force to prevent excessive compression that could collapse the cup while ensuring adequate sealing force.
4Productivity
If manual lid management is used in food service areas, then staffing requirements are reduced, but lid stock management cannot be attended to at regular intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The lid application device is designed as a self-service system where the lid holder automatically feeds lids to the application mechanism. The device maintains its own lid stock by having a vertical stack holder that gravitationally or spring-loaded feeds lids to the dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for staff to manually restock lids during service operations.
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
The device consistently seals beverage cups without spills or damage, reduces waste, maintains sanitary conditions, and simplifies lid management, eliminating the need for manual handling and electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring attached to the support ring, wherein the return spring is configured to return the support ring to a second position in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The force limiter includes a resilient member having two ends, a first end of the resilient member is attached to the handle and a second end of the resilient member is attached to the support ring
Implementation Method 3
at least two magazine support segments biased toward one another forming an opening
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-alone manually operated device for capping a filled beverage container with a lid. Lids are staged within the apparatus in a bulk storage queue and are individually transferred from a bulk storage queue and applied to a beverage container by physical contact to the application mechanism. The mechanism ensures the sealing rim of the lid is completely engaged on the beverage container without human contact on hygienic surfaces. Once the operator disengages, the mechanism automatically retracts to a resting position and the next lid is engaged.