Lid Closing Device Gravity Drop Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid closing devices for containers require high accuracy in the positioning and movement of the arm holding the lid, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential inaccuracies in the lid closing operation.

Innovation Solution

A lid closing device and method where the lid is held by a holding portion and moved to a position above the container, then released to fall and cover the container, eliminating the need for high accuracy in positioning and movement, using a robot arm and control system to ensure accurate placement and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the arm holds the lid and performs a circular motion to cover the container, then the lid closing operation is performed, but high accuracy in positioning and movement is required, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid closing operation reliabilityVSAvoidarm positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical arm-based lid placement system with a lid dropping mechanism. Instead of using a robot arm to precisely position and place the lid on the container, the system holds the lid above the container and releases it to drop onto the container opening. This substitution eliminates the need for high-precision mechanical positioning systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable lid closing operation.

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

2Reliability

If the arm holds the lid and performs a circular motion to cover the container, then the lid closing operation is performed, but high accuracy in movement control is required, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid closing operation reliabilityVSAvoidmovement control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical arm movement control system with a simple lid dropping mechanism. Instead of controlling a robot arm to perform circular motions and precise positioning, the system simply holds the lid above the container and releases it to drop onto the container opening. This substitution dramatically simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable lid closing operation.

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

3Reliability

If the arm holds the lid and performs a circular motion to cover the container, then the lid closing operation is performed, but the shape of the holding portion and container position require high accuracy, increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid closing operation reliabilityVSAvoidholding portion and container position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the precision-machined holding portion and container positioning system with a lid dropping mechanism. Instead of requiring the holding portion to be precisely shaped and the container position to be accurately controlled, the system simply holds the lid above the container and releases it to drop onto the container opening. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing accuracy requirements for these components.

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

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 solution allows for a low-cost, accurate lid closing operation without requiring high precision in the positioning and movement of the lid, ensuring efficient and reliable coverage of the container while reducing manufacturing costs and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the lid falls to cover the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11124321B2Lid closing device and lid closing method
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • US11124321B2 patent drawing
  • US11124321B2 patent drawing
  • US11124321B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a lid closing device and a lid closing method, each of which does not require a high degree of accuracy when performing a lid closing operation. A holding portion moves such that a lid is located at a position above a container. Holding of the lid by the holding portion is released at the position above the container. The lid falls to cover the container. Thus, the lid closing operation is performed.