Movable Packing Bells for Flexible Bottling Case Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing heads in bottling plants require mechanical exchange of plate link conveyor chains to change container configurations, which is labor-intensive and limits the range of configurations that can be handled.
Innovation Solution
A packing head with movable container grippers or packing bells on sliding carriages that can be controlled in at least two displacement axes, allowing for a wide range of configurations without mechanical modifications, using actuators such as linear motors or servo motors for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plate link conveyor chains are used to change container configurations, then the packing head can handle different container arrangements, but mechanical exchange of the chains is required which increases labor and limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The packing head employs movable packing bells that can be dynamically repositioned along guide rails using actuators, allowing the system to adapt to different container configurations without mechanical exchange. The guide rails themselves can be adjusted or reconfigured, providing dynamic versatility while eliminating the need for manual chain replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plate link conveyor chain system with a combination of guide rails and actuators. The actuators (such as linear motors or servo motors) provide controlled movement of the packing bells along the guide rails, substituting the need for mechanical chain exchange with an automated positioning system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plate link conveyor chains are exchanged to change configurations, then different container arrangements can be handled, but labor expenditure increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The packing head system is designed to reconfigure itself through automated actuator movement. The actuators automatically position the packing bells along the guide rails according to the required container configuration, eliminating the need for manual intervention to exchange chains. The system serves itself by using its own actuators to achieve reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are pre-configured with positioning mechanisms that allow the packing bells to be automatically placed in the correct positions before operation begins. This preliminary setup enables rapid reconfiguration without requiring time-consuming manual chain exchange during production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed plate link conveyor chains are used, then the structure is simple, but the range of handleable configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The packing head is divided into multiple independent packing bells, each capable of moving along its own section of guide rail. This segmentation allows each packing bell to be positioned independently, enabling a wide range of container configurations while keeping each individual positioning mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are designed as universal positioning structures that can accommodate multiple configurations through actuator control. Rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each configuration type, the same guide rail system with adjustable actuator positions provides multi-functionality for handling various container arrangements.
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
Enables the handling of various container configurations, including different sizes and arrangements, without the need for mechanical exchange of positioning devices, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in picking up and depositing container groups.
Implementation Method 1
using actuators such as linear motors or servo motors for precise positioning
Implementation Method 2
using actuators such as linear motors or servo motors for precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus, in a bottling plant, for packing beverage bottles in cases with and without dividers and a method and apparatus for packing containers in cases with and without dividers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.