Linear Guide for Neck-to-Base Container Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container handling systems face challenges in reliably transferring containers of different sizes from neck-handling to base-handling methods, particularly due to high centrifugal forces during transfer, which hinder efficient throughput.

Innovation Solution

A transporting installation with a first device for neck-handling and a second device for base-handling, where the second device is linear and equipped with a linear guide device that allows containers to be lowered from the first device, using a combination of guiding screws, clamping devices, and adjustable transfer planes to prevent tipping and ensure smooth transfer across varying container sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rotating starwheels are used for transferring containers from neck-handling to base-handling, then transfer capability is achieved, but high centrifugal forces occur due to rotational speeds required for high container throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer throughputVSAvoidcentrifugal forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rotating starwheel mechanism with a linear transporting device that moves containers in a straight line from neck-handling to base-handling. This substitution eliminates the centrifugal forces generated by rotational motion while maintaining the ability to transfer containers at high speeds, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If containers are transferred using rotating starwheels, then transfer between handling methods is possible, but lowering containers onto the transporting device becomes impossible for certain container sizes due to centrifugal forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling different container sizesVSAvoidreliable transfer for all container sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The linear transporting device is designed with a universal applicability that allows it to handle various container sizes reliably. By eliminating the size-dependent limitations of rotating starwheels, the linear device provides consistent and reliable transfer performance across different container formats, achieving both adaptability and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If high rotational speeds are used in starwheels to achieve high container throughput, then productivity increases, but the centrifugal forces prevent successful lowering of containers for certain sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer throughputVSAvoidability to handle different container sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rotating starwheel system with a linear transporting device that maintains high productivity through linear motion rather than rotational motion. This substitution allows the system to handle different container sizes reliably without being constrained by centrifugal forces, thereby achieving both high throughput and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11787644B2Transporting installation for containers

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 KRONES AG

AI summary

Transporting installation for containers, such as bottles, having a first transporting device, which can transport containers by neck-handling, and a second transporting device, which can transport containers by base-handling, wherein the first transporting device transports the containers at a different height from the second transporting device, wherein, in a transfer region in which the containers can be transferred from the first transporting device to the second transporting device, the second transporting device runs linearly and a linear guide device is provided, said guide device running parallel to the second transporting device and being adapted such that it can guide a container as the container is being lowered from the first transporting device to the second transporting device.