Pin Tip Attachment Structure for Can Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin chain conveyor systems cause scratches on the inside of aluminum cans due to high-speed conveying, leading to imperfect coating and corrosion, especially when conveying containers with small ports, as existing attachment structures are inadequate for supporting small pin tips effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pin tip attachment structure that utilizes a coil spring and bushing system, where a small diameter portion of the pin is fitted with a bushing and a stopper, allowing vertical movement and compression of the coil spring to mitigate impact and prevent scratches, while also reducing the risk of oil and fat adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pin tip is directly pressed to fit with a pin (small pin tip structure), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pin tip cannot be effectively supported during high-speed conveying, causing scratches on container interiors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a coil spring between the pin tip and pin before contact with the container occurs during conveying. The spring pre-positioned in the attachment structure absorbs impact forces and mitigates scratching effects that would otherwise occur during high-speed conveying of containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a bushing as a mediator component between the pin tip and pin. The bushing facilitates the attachment while allowing the coil spring to function as an intermediary element that absorbs shocks and prevents direct rigid contact that causes scratches during conveying.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a coil spring and bushing system is used to support the pin tip, then scratches on containers are prevented, but the attachment structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by nesting the coil spring within the bushing structure, which itself is fitted into the pin tip. This nested arrangement (pin tip containing bushing containing coil spring) consolidates multiple protective components into a compact integrated assembly, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the scratch-prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the attachment structure into distinct functional segments: the pin tip for engagement, the bushing for structural support and alignment, and the coil spring for shock absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing despite the multi-component design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a large pin tip is used to prevent scratches through cushioning, then impact force is reduced, but the pin tip cannot be used for conveying containers with small ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pin tip structure dynamic through the coil spring mechanism. The pin tip can dynamically adjust its position and absorption capacity based on the container size and port diameter. For small ports, the spring compresses to accommodate the smaller clearance while still providing cushioning; for larger containers, the spring extends to provide full impact absorption, thus adapting to different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the coil spring to change its compression parameter according to the container port size. The spring's adjustable compression range enables the same pin tip structure to effectively serve both small-port containers (where minimal compression is needed) and larger containers (where greater compression provides cushioning), thus resolving the adaptability issue.
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 pin tip attachment structure effectively supports small pin tips, reducing scratches on containers with small ports and minimizing the adhesion of oils and fats, thereby enhancing the coating performance and quality of the containers.
Implementation Method 1
the coil spring 107 is compressed and deformed so that the pin tips 105 and 109 can slide and move downward along the pin 103
Implementation Method 2
scratches are induced on the insides of the cans by rubbing of the cans with the pin tips 101
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a pin tip attachment structure that can engage a container with a bottom, such as a can or bottle, and convey the container without scratching it, a small diameter portion having a predetermined length is formed at a front end portion of a pin. A bushing is fitted in a lower end portion of a cylindrical hole of a pin tip having the cylindrical hole opened at a lower end side, and the bushing is vertically movably inserted onto the small diameter portion of the pin. A stopper portion for retaining the bushing is provided at a front end of the small diameter portion. A spring receiver portion is provided below the small diameter portion, and a coil spring is provided in a compressible manner between the spring receiver portion and the bushing or the lower end of the pin tip.