Lid Removal Machine Preventing Container Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing lids from containers, such as manual and mechanical systems, often cause deformation and damage to the container, preventing reuse and ensuring a secure seal, especially when dealing with metal and plastic containers.
Innovation Solution
An automated machine with a centring element, gripping device, and moving devices that selectively act on the lid without exerting force on the container's outer top wall, allowing for the removal and extraction of lids without deforming the container, using a gripping device that moves along a vertical axis to interact with the lid's protruding portion and annular channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or mechanical systems exert force on the outer top wall to remove the lid, then the lid can be separated from the container, but the container's top wall is deformed and damaged, preventing reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force application point from the container's outer top wall and relocates it to the lid's protruding portion. The gripping device engages specifically with the lid's protruding part, separating the lid removal function from the container structure, thereby eliminating the harmful deformation effect on the container while maintaining effective lid removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the protruding portion of the lid - that serves as a new interface for force application. Instead of applying force directly to the container wall, the system uses the lid's own protruding structure as a mediator to transmit the removal force, protecting the container from damage while enabling effective lid separation
2Productivity
If complete removal of the lid is achieved through interaction with a permanent magnet, then the lid can be fully separated, but this solution is exclusively applicable to metal lids and not plastic containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal gripping device that can engage with the protruding portion of lids regardless of material composition. The mechanical engagement method through the protruding structure replaces the magnet-specific approach, enabling the same device to effectively remove both metal and plastic lids, thus achieving multi-material compatibility and enhanced versatility
3Reliability
If a mechanical system exerts thrust force on the outer top wall, then the lid can be separated, but the force is considerable and may break or irreparably damage the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force application from the container's outer top wall and relocates it to the lid's protruding portion. By engaging the gripping device with the lid's protruding structure rather than the container wall, the system achieves reliable lid separation while eliminating the harmful effect of considerable force on the container's structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force to the container to remove the lid, the patent inverts the approach by applying force directly to the lid through its protruding portion. This reversal of the force application target achieves the same lid separation result while protecting the container from damage
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for removal and extraction of a lid for containers includes: a centering element, for aligning the machine above the container; a gripping device for acting upon a contained lid, being capable of disengaging the lid from the container and holding the same lid; a first device for moving said gripping device along a vertical axis, between first and second positions, proximal to, and away from said centering element and a support structure, fixed to said centering element, for supporting said first device. The gripping device takes first and second operating configurations, wherein it does not act upon said lid, and wherein it does act upon a protruding portion of the lid. The centering element has an abutment portion to abut against an upper container edge, and to prevent the container from moving, without exerting any force upon said edge.