Magnetic Suspension Ejector for Capping Head Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping head systems face contamination risks and frequent unwanted cap ejections due to the use of ejection rods and flanges, which also lead to wear and sanitization challenges.
Innovation Solution
A gripping assembly with a magnetic ejector member that uses a magnetic element to suspend the ejector within the cap receiving seat, eliminating weight discharge and reducing unwanted ejections, while maintaining hygiene and avoiding the use of springs for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ejection rod is used to eject caps from the gripping assembly, then cap ejection function is achieved, but contamination risk increases due to the rod passing through the moving assembly and gripping assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection rod is extracted from the system and replaced by a localized ejector member confined within the gripping assembly. This eliminates the need for the rod to pass through the moving assembly, thereby removing the contamination pathway while preserving the cap ejection function.
Solution Approach 2:
A circumferential flange acts as an intermediary element between the ejector member and the cap. The flange transmits the ejection force to the cap without requiring direct contact between the ejector and cap, allowing for a more compact and hygienic design within the gripping assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a small cylinder ejector member is used confined within the gripping assembly, then contamination risk is reduced, but unwanted cap ejections occur due to the cylinder resting on the cap by gravity
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic suspension system is introduced to counteract the gravitational force acting on the ejector member. The magnetic force suspends the ejector member in a raised position, preventing it from resting on the cap during normal operation and eliminating unwanted ejections, while still allowing controlled ejection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational mechanical support system is replaced with a magnetic field-based suspension system. This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of the ejector member resting on the cap due to gravity, while maintaining the ability to control ejection through magnetic actuation.
3Reliability
If the ejector member is suspended magnetically, then unwanted ejections are prevented and hygiene is maintained, but device complexity increases due to the magnetic element
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic suspension system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting to the position of the ejector member and cap without requiring external control mechanisms. The magnetic field naturally maintains the ejector in the raised position and enables ejection when the cap is properly positioned, reducing the need for additional complex control systems.
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 magnetic suspension prevents accidental cap ejections and contamination, reduces wear, and simplifies sanitization, ensuring reliable cap handling without the need for internal or external springs.
Implementation Method 1
the ejector member carries at least one first magnetic element suitable to magnetically interact with the suspension member in order to determine a suspension condition of the ejector member
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a gripping assembly for a capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles, as well as a capping head using at least one such assembly. The gripping assembly (10) of a cap (50) comprises a hollow body (11) longitudinally extending along a vertical axis (A) and internally defining a receiving and retaining seat (12) for the cap, the receiving and retaining seat (12) being delimited at its lower end by an inlet mouth (13) for the introduction of the cap (50), inside the hollow body (11) there being housed an ejector member (16, 16') that is free to axially slide, and it is characterised in that it comprises a suspension member (21) made of magnetic material or magnetisable material, and in that the ejector member (16, 16') carries at least one first magnetic element (20) suitable to interact with the suspension member (21) in order to determine a suspension condition of the ejector member (16, 16'), the magnetic interaction between the first magnetic element (20) and the suspension member (21) being such that the suspension condition is determined only when said ejector member (16, 16') is brought in close proximity of or in contact with the suspension member (21).