Modular Container Carrier With Damping Base for Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated bottling and packaging systems face challenges with cylindrical pucks experiencing slippage and rotation issues when handling irregularly shaped containers, leading to missed insertions, noise generation, and occupational noise exposure, and require improved container carriers that can accommodate various shapes and weights while maintaining upright position during filling and capping.
Innovation Solution
A product container carrier with a radially expanded base and upstanding container holder featuring abutment surfaces for secure gripping, beveled surfaces for guiding, and adjustable weight distribution to prevent rotation and slippage, along with noise-damping features using resilient materials and modular design to accommodate different container types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cylindrical pucks are used to handle containers, then the system can maintain simple structure and ease of operation, but slippage and rotation occur when handling irregularly shaped containers
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier employs different surface characteristics in different locations: the external surface has gripping surfaces with increased friction for belt engagement, while the internal surface has abutment surfaces specifically positioned to contact irregular container shapes. This localized differentiation of surface properties enables reliable handling of non-cylindrical containers without slippage or rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier transitions from a symmetric cylindrical puck design to an asymmetric structure with specifically positioned abutment surfaces that correspond to the asymmetric geometry of irregular containers. The abutment surfaces are arranged to match the container's shape, preventing rotation and ensuring stable positioning during the capping operation.
2Strength
If hard synthetic resin material is used for carrier construction, then durability and ease of cleaning are improved, but noise is generated during carrier movement and accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is constructed as a composite structure combining a hard synthetic resin base for durability with integrated noise-damping features made of softer, sound-absorbing materials. This composite approach maintains the structural strength and ease of cleaning required for pharmaceutical applications while significantly reducing the noise generated during carrier movement, accumulation, and collision.
3Ease of operation
If side belts are used to capture the carrier during capping, then the capping operation can be performed, but slippage and rotation occur with irregularly shaped containers
Solution Approach 1:
The external surface of the carrier is equipped with specifically positioned gripping surfaces that provide increased friction and enhanced belt engagement. These localized high-friction zones ensure that side belts can effectively capture and hold the carrier during the capping operation, preventing slippage and rotation even when handling irregularly shaped containers.
4Measurement precision
If vibratory mechanism is used to align and move carriers, then carrier positioning is improved, but noise is generated from carrier collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-damping features integrated into the carrier construction absorb impact energy and reduce the noise generated when carriers collide during vibratory alignment and movement. The softer damping materials reduce the intensity of collisions while maintaining the precision of carrier positioning required for automated operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for receiving and restraining a container against rotation during an automated filling and capping operation includes an array of modular container housings. A bumper is disposed below the housing and projects outwardly to cushion the carrier against impact. The bumper is supported by a base. Structure extends from the housing through the bumper and into the base to secure the carrier. One housing module includes a recess having container abutment surfaces and angled surfaces at the opening to guide a container into engagement with the abutments. One housing module includes a recess having ribs separated by relief vents to relieve air pressure as a container is loaded into the carrier. One housing module includes a container holder having a pair of upright supports separated by side openings. The bumper and the base each including a weight positioned at a selected location to uphold the filled container.