Linear Motor Pressing Device for Container Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying machines using rotating carousels face challenges with pressure systems, including natural wear, inconsistent pressure due to varying container heights, and the need for complex pneumatic systems, which are not adaptable to different container materials like glass and plastic.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a constraining system using a guide and linear motors with a movable pressing device, controlled by an electric unit, applies constant pressure independently of container height and material, without adding complexity or requiring specific sensors, using actuating means like linkages, racks, and cam systems to ensure stable and adjustable pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spring system is used to press the container, then the pressing device can be simple in structure, but the pressure is not constant and depends on spring compression length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical pressing system with a linear motor system. The linear motor uses electromagnetic fields to generate force, eliminating the need for springs and providing constant, controllable pressure regardless of compression distance. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple operation while achieving pressure consistency through electromagnetic control rather than mechanical spring compression.
2Stress or pressure
If a pneumatic system is used to maintain constant pressure, then pressure consistency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with pressure regulators and rotary air distributors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic system (with pressure regulators and rotary air distributors) with a linear motor system. The linear motor directly generates mechanical force through electromagnetic interaction between the stator and rotor, eliminating the need for compressed air infrastructure. This provides constant pressure control while significantly simplifying the overall system structure.
3Device complexity
If a spring system is used, then the device is simple, but natural wear occurs on the spring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical spring components by replacing them with a linear motor system. The linear motor uses electromagnetic fields to generate force without physical contact between moving parts (the rotor moves linearly within the stator without touching). This non-contact force generation eliminates wear entirely, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and component reliability.
4Device complexity
If the pressing device is fixed for a specific container height, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying container heights and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressing system where the linear motor can adjust its force output and the pressing device position can be controlled independently of container dimensions. The electromagnetic force can be varied electronically to accommodate different container materials (glass, plastic) and heights without mechanical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the pressing force and position through electronic control of the linear motor. By varying the electrical parameters (current, voltage) supplied to the linear motor, the pressing force can be adjusted to suit different container types and heights, providing versatility without requiring mechanical changes to the device structure.
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 system provides consistent pressure on containers of varying heights and materials, reducing wear and complexity, ensuring reliable operation without the need for recalibration or specific sensors, and maintaining stability during movement and rotation.
Implementation Method 1
both the carriages define a linear motor... actuating means operatively connected to the pressing device and configured for moving said pressing device between the raised rest position and said lowered constrained position
Implementation Method 2
This constraining system using a jack, as illustrated in patent WO2017103813, can be mounted on magnetised carriages, which, coupled with a specific guide, define a linear motor, of which the magnetised carriages are the rotor while the guide is the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for conveying containers is disclosed. The machine may include a guide, a main carriage slidably mounted on the guide, an auxiliary carriage slidably mounted on the guide, a pressing device mounted on the main carriage and movable between a raised and a lowered position, in which the pressing device applies a pressing force, a control unit electrically connected to the guide and configured for controlling the main carriage and the auxiliary carriage on the guide and a mutual distance thereof, an actuator connected to the pressing device and configured to move the pressing device between the raised position and the lowered position. The control unit is configured to command the variation of the mutual distance between the main carriage and the auxiliary carriage so as to activate the actuator, which is operatively interposed between the pressing device and the auxiliary carriage.