Nested Container Separator Using Rotating Wedge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an apparatus that can automatically and continuously separate stacked or nested containers, as existing methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the frictional fit between containers.

Innovation Solution

A motorized apparatus with rotatable spindles featuring screw-toothed cylinders and semi-circular wedges that utilize the friction between containers to separate them, where the spindles and wedges operate synchronously to rotate the containers and increase the space between them, allowing for continuous and automatic separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If containers are stacked with frictional fit to aid stacking and transport, then stacking stability is improved, but container separation becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidcontainer separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation apparatus divides the container stack into individual units using multiple spindles with screw-toothed cylinders that engage with container rims at different positions, separating the stacking function from the separation function by applying localized forces to individual containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Semi-circular wedges act as intermediary elements inserted between container rims to force separation. The wedges are driven between the frictional fit interfaces, using the existing friction to leverage the containers apart rather than overcoming it directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual separation methods are used to separate stacked containers, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity and production efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation equipmentVSAvoidcontainer separation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables continuous separation operation through multiple spindles that can process containers in sequence or parallel. As one container is separated, the next is immediately positioned for separation, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses rotatable spindles with adjustable rotation speeds and multiple semi-circular wedges that dynamically engage and disengage from container rims, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different container sizes and separation rates while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If frictional fit between containers is increased to improve transport stability, then transport reliability is improved, but the force required for separation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport reliabilityVSAvoidseparation force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying separation force directly against the frictional interface in the vertical stacking direction, the apparatus applies force in a radial dimension by inserting semi-circular wedges between container rims, changing the dimension of force application to bypass the friction barrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-circular wedges use their curved geometry to gradually insert between container rims and apply separating force through a rolling or wedging motion, distributing the separation force over a curved path rather than applying it abruptly, which reduces the peak force required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 apparatus efficiently separates stacked containers, improving production efficiency and reducing labor and operating costs by enabling continuous, automatic operation.

Implementation Method 1

The subject invention can advantageously utilize the friction between containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

As the rimmed containers, by force of gravity, move downwards towards the screw-toothed cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12054346B2Apparatus for automatic separation of stacked, nested containers

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SU FUSHENG

AI summary

The invention relates to a container separator apparatus for automatically separating stacked rimmed containers. The container separator apparatus utilizes at least one spindle comprising a rotation cylinder, a screw-toothed cylinder, and a semi-circular wedge that are arranged to operate synchronously as the spindle rotates. The stacked rimmed containers can be placed in a rack, which can be inverted and placed against the rotation cylinders. As the at least one spindle rotates the rims of the containers engage with the thread of the screw-toothed cylinder, which carries the containers downward towards the semi-circular wedge. As the containers pass the rotating semi-circular wedge, the narrow end of the wedge inserts between the rims of two adjacent containers and gradually separates the containers to the bottom container can fall off the stack of containers in an upright position.