Movable Cap Feeder for Intermittent Filling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermittent filling and sealing machines have a low output due to bottlenecks at the closing station, where caps are applied, and are complex and expensive to maintain, whereas continuous machines are overly complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a capping station with a movable cap feed and sorting device, allowing caps to be placed on containers during idle times using a cap feeder with a drive mechanism, enabling efficient closure even when containers are stationary or moving, with a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous machine is used for filling and sealing containers, then high output is achieved, but the machine becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cap feed is made movable instead of stationary, allowing it to move together with the containers during intermittent operation. This dynamic adaptation enables the capping station to maintain high productivity like continuous machines while using the simpler intermittent machine structure.
2Device complexity
If an intermittent machine is used for filling and sealing containers, then the structure is simpler and more cost-effective, but the output is relatively low due to idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cap feed eliminates idle time at the capping station by continuing to cap containers during both moving and idle phases of the intermittent cycle. This ensures continuous useful action at the closing station, maximizing output while maintaining the simplicity of intermittent machine structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the machine operates intermittently with containers moving forward about one-third of the time, then cost-effective manufacturing is achieved, but the closing station becomes a capacity bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cap feed serves itself by moving together with the containers, automatically maintaining proper alignment and spacing without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains cost-effective manufacturing while eliminating the closing station bottleneck.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cyclically operating machine for filling containers (5) and closing them with caps (4), comprising a closure station (1) having a cap feeder (2) for feeding the caps (4) to the containers (5) and having a sorting arrangement (3) for aligning and separating the caps (4) and transferring them to the cap feeder (2), wherein the cap feeder (2) positions the caps (4) individually on a respective container (5) and closes the container with the cap (4), and wherein the cap feeder (2) is arranged such that it can be moved back and forth, and it comprises a drive which is designed for moving the cap feeder (2).