Modular Gripping Device for Simultaneous Container Transport and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines with rotating star wheels and pick and place units require a large number of format parts and are not flexible in designing the workflow for filling and sealing processes, limiting their adaptability to different container and closure types.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripping device with a container receptacle and closure receptacle that allows relative movement, enabling the device to pick up containers, transport them, and seal them simultaneously, using a connecting element with a guide element and suction openings for secure holding and precise placement of closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotating star wheels and pick and place units are used for container handling and closing, then containers can be transported and sealed, but the devices require a large number of format parts and have low flexibility for different container types
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is designed as a universal module that can handle different container types through adjustable gripping elements. The device performs multiple functions including container gripping, transport, and closing operations with a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized format parts required by traditional star wheel systems
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different container dimensions and shapes. The gripping elements can be repositioned and reconfigured during operation, providing flexibility without requiring separate fixed-format components for each container type
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotating star wheels and pick and place units are used for container handling and closing, then containers can be transported and sealed, but the workflow design is inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device merges container transport and closing operations into a single integrated module. By combining the gripping function with the closing function in one device, the system allows flexible workflow design where transport and sealing can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the rigid multi-stage process required by separate star wheel and pick-and-place units
3Productivity
If separate transport and closing operations are performed, then containers can be handled carefully, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device combines transport and closing operations into one simultaneous process. The container is gripped, transported to the closing position, and sealed all while held securely by the same gripping elements, eliminating the need for separate handling steps that would increase production time while maintaining stable container control throughout the entire operation
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 modular design allows for flexible and economical production, reduces production time, integrates container transport into the closing process, and ensures secure sealing without unnecessary acceleration of contents, enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
Applying negative pressure to these suction openings ensures that the container or closure is held securely in the gripping device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device (1) comprising a container picking up device (2) and a closure picking up device (3) for picking up and closing containers (4). Said container picking up device (2) is designed to pick up the container (4), the closure picking up device (3) is designed to pick up a closure (5), and said closure pick up device (3) is connected to the container pick up device (2) by means of a connecting element (6), said connecting element (6) allowing a relative movement (11) between the container pick up device (2) and the closure pick up device (3) to take place in order for the container (4) to close by means of the closure (5).