Lid Applying Unit with Direct Drive Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid applying units for containers are not precise, reliable, and flexible, particularly when dealing with different container sizes and shapes, and are limited to applying round lids, with performance depending on operator adjustments and prone to wear.

Innovation Solution

An applying unit with a conveying device and a group of applying heads supported by a common movement device, allowing precise and reliable application of lids to containers of various shapes and sizes without the need for friction-based systems, enabling the use of non-round lids and easy reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If friction-based systems (belts) are used to apply lids, then the applying unit can operate continuously, but the precision and reliability deteriorate due to wear and operator adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidlid application precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based belt mechanical system with a direct driving mechanism. The applying head is moved along the advancement direction by a movement device that directly couples the applying head to the container neck, eliminating the intermediate friction-based belt transmission. This substitution removes the source of wear and imprecision while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If friction-based systems are used, then the structure can be simple, but the adaptability to different container sizes and shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidcontainer size and shape adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the applying head position. The movement device allows the applying head to be positioned at different locations along the advancement direction, enabling adaptation to various container sizes and shapes. This dynamic positioning capability provides versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If belts are used to rotate lids, then round lids can be applied, but the system cannot handle non-round lids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveround lid application capabilityVSAvoidlid shape compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the belt-based rotational mechanism with a direct coupling system between the applying head and the lid. This new mechanism can accommodate various lid geometries including non-round shapes, as it does not rely on friction-based rotational transmission that is inherently suited only for circular objects. The direct driving mechanism provides universal compatibility across different lid types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10351286B2Applying unit for applying a lid onto a container

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

An applying unit for applying lids to necks of containers may be provided. The applying unit may include a conveying device configured to advance the containers along a path in an advancement direction; a group of applying heads, each applying head configured to screw a lid onto a corresponding neck; and a movement device configured to move the group of applying heads along the advancement direction, so that each applying head may be coupled to a corresponding neck along a portion of the path. The movement device may be configured to act on a common support element configured to support the applying heads of the group, so as to synchronously move the applying heads along the advancement direction.