Lid Applying Head Leveling Flexible Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying lids onto containers with variable dimensions and shapes, particularly those made of flexible sheet packaging material, face challenges in accurate alignment and secure screwing due to tolerances in container, neck, and lid dimensions, leading to misalignment and potential damage during high-speed production.
Innovation Solution
A method and applying head that involves positioning the lid by exerting a force on its end wall to level it coaxially with the container neck, followed by screwing, using gripping elements with abutment and screwing portions to ensure correct alignment and secure attachment, even with elliptical or non-circular necks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed production is used for lid application, then productivity increases, but alignment precision deteriorates due to dimensional variations in flexible containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning and leveling the lid onto the container neck before the screwing operation. The applying head first places the lid in position and exerts a leveling force to ensure coaxial alignment, then proceeds to screwing. This sequential approach allows high-speed production while maintaining alignment precision by preparing the lid position in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The applying head acts as an intermediary device between the lid and container neck. It includes positioning elements and leveling mechanisms that mediate the connection, compensating for dimensional variations in flexible containers. The applying head transfers and adjusts forces to ensure proper alignment before securing the lid.
2Device complexity
If conventional screwing method is used without preliminary positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but lid application reliability deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning and leveling actions before screwing. The applying head positions the lid onto the neck and exerts a leveling force to ensure coaxial alignment. This preliminary preparation significantly improves lid application reliability by preventing misalignment and potential damage during the screwing operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If force is exerted to level the lid coaxially, then alignment precision improves, but risk of damage to flexible containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a leveling force in a preliminary stage before screwing to ensure coaxial alignment. By positioning and leveling the lid first, the subsequent screwing operation can proceed with proper alignment, reducing the risk of damaging flexible containers through misalignment or excessive corrective forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The applying head serves as an intermediary that controls and distributes the leveling force. It includes positioning elements that gently guide the lid into proper alignment and exert controlled forces to prevent damage to flexible containers while achieving precise coaxial alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of applying a lid (1) onto a neck (9) of a container (10), the lid (1) having a side wall (3) extending around an axis and an end wall (2) extending transversely to said axis, comprises the following steps: —positioning the lid (1) onto the neck (9); —exerting on the end wall (2) a force directed towards the container (10), so as to level the lid (1) on the neck (9); —screwing the lid (1) onto the neck (9) by rotating the lid (1) in a screwing direction.