Passive Clamp Device for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for beverage containers in bottling plants are complex, difficult to clean, and require high manufacturing effort, with active clamping devices needing multiple parts and passive clamping devices requiring the container to be pressed or pulled to open and close, leading to potential contamination and wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A passive clamping device with pivotable clamping arms and an elastic spring clip extending perpendicular to the pivot axes, formed in one piece, which opens passively upon container insertion, eliminating gaps for contamination and simplifying assembly by decoupling weight-bearing from spring action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active clamping devices are used to enable safe and gentle transfer of containers, then the container transfer safety is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase due to numerous individual parts and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator and control mechanism from the clamping device, extracting the active control function entirely. The clamping arms are designed to open and close passively through container insertion and removal, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining reliable container handling through pure mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an actuator to actively open and close the clamping arms, the invention inverts the approach: the container itself opens and closes the clamp through its insertion and removal. The spring provides continuous closing force, and the container's presence naturally opens the arms, reversing the traditional active control mechanism
2Device complexity
If passive clamping devices with fixed clamping arms are used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as containers must be pressed or pulled to open and close the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arms transition from a fixed position to a dynamic, pivotable configuration. The arms can rotate about pivot axes, allowing them to naturally open when a container is inserted and close when the container is removed, providing smooth and easy operation without requiring forceful pressing or pulling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational freedom in a new dimension by allowing the clamping arms to pivot about horizontal axes perpendicular to the clamp's opening direction. This dimensional addition transforms the operation from linear pressing/pulling to rotational movement, significantly improving ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If clamping arms are designed elastically to spread open when containers are inserted, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the spring action must also bear the weight of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the functional responsibilities: the spring is responsible only for providing closing force, while separate pivotable arms handle the container weight and opening/closing motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the spring not bearing the container weight
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable arm design creates a mechanical advantage where the container's weight and insertion force naturally open the clamp against the spring's closing force. The geometry of the pivot arms provides a counterbalancing effect that eliminates the need for the spring to support the container's weight
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional preloading elements like spiral compression springs are used to preload clamping arms, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the hygiene deteriorates due to gaps where particles can accumulate and contaminate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring element and the clamping arm into a single integrated component. The spring is formed as an integral part of the clamping arm structure, eliminating separate connection points, gaps, and interfaces where particles could accumulate, thereby achieving hygienic design without complicating manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed as a flexible, continuous structure integrated into the clamping arm, creating a smooth, gap-free surface that prevents particle accumulation. The flexible spring portion maintains closing force while presenting a seamless surface that is easy to clean and resistant to contamination
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 design provides improved hygiene, reduced manufacturing complexity, and increased service life by preventing contamination and wear, while allowing versatile handling of different container sizes without additional mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic spring clip for pre-tensioning the clamping arms into a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a first clamping arm pivotably arranged about a first pivot axis on a clamping carrier with a holding section for contact with the container to be held
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a passive clamping device (1) for holding a container in a container handling device, preferably for holding a beverage container at a neck section, comprising a first clamping arm (2) pivotably arranged about a first pivot axis (20) on a clamping carrier (3) with a holding section (22) for bearing against the container to be held, a second clamping arm (2') pivotably arranged about a second pivot axis (20') on the clamping carrier (3) with a holding section for bearing against the container to be held, and an elastic spring clip (6) for pre-tensioning the clamping arms (2, 2') into a closed position, wherein the clamping arms (2, 2') are designed and configured to be passively opened by inserting a container to receive it, wherein the elastic spring clip (6) extends in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axes (20, 20') and the clamping arms (2,2') and the elastic spring clip (6) are formed in one piece.