Paper End Closure Collet Assembly for High-Speed Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment for seaming metal ends to containers is incompatible with paper-based end closures, leading to recyclability issues and environmental waste due to the inability to separate paper-based containers from metal closures.
Innovation Solution
Development of systems and methods for applying paper-based end closures at high speeds, including an assembly module with a chuck, expanding collet, and actuator, which facilitates axial alignment and radial expansion of collet segments to secure the closure within the container, along with a compressible backstop and peripheral sleeve for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal closures are seamed onto the bottom of containers, then the container can be sealed hermetically, but the container cannot be recycled because the metal closure cannot be separated from the paper-based container body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the metal closure from the container assembly by replacing it with a paper-based end closure that matches the container body material. This allows the entire container to be separated into recyclable paper components while maintaining the hermetic seal function through the paper-based closure and associated sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the closure from metal to paper-based material. This material substitution enables recyclability while maintaining sealing functionality through modified sealing approaches such as heat sealing or adhesive bonding of the paper-based closure to the container body.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing metal end seaming equipment is used, then the seaming process is well-established, but the equipment is incompatible with paper-based end closures due to differences in flexibility, feeding, folding, and fusing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic elements to the sealing process to accommodate the flexibility of paper-based closures. This includes movable sealing surfaces, adjustable pressing mechanisms, and flexible feeding systems that can adapt to the different mechanical properties of paper compared to metal, enabling the same equipment to handle both closure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the sealing equipment to perform multiple functions: it can seam metal closures using traditional mechanisms while also applying, folding, and heat-sealing paper-based closures using integrated additional mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single equipment platform to handle both closure types without requiring complete replacement.
3Productivity
If paper-based end closures are applied at high speeds, then productivity increases, but the complexity of the application system increases due to the need for specialized handling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares paper-based closures in advance by pre-scoring, pre-folding, or pre-forming them into shapes that facilitate high-speed application. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of the application mechanism itself, as the closures are already configured for easy placement and sealing, enabling high-speed operation without overly complex handling systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a container and closure comprising an expanding collet which has a plurality of pivoting collet segments, each configured to simultaneously pivot radially outward about a pivot point and comprising. The collet comprises a lip that is engagable with the rim of the open end of the container and an angled tip positioned radially inward from the lip and shaped to press a countersink portion of the closure against an interior wall of the container as the collet segments pivot radially outward. As the container and the chuck are brought together, the rim engages with the lips of the collet segments and causes the angled tips of the collet segments to pivot outward toward the interior wall of the container, thereby pushing the countersink portion of the closure against the interior wall of the container.