Pivotable Holding Arms for Support-Ring-Free Bottle Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container handling machines struggle to efficiently handle support-ring-free bottles due to the lack of a carrier ring, leading to issues with torque support and tamper-evident band damage during screw closure and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a carrier and a holding arrangement featuring pivotable holding arms and support projections that allow for secure holding and release of support-ring-free bottles, preventing collisions and enabling efficient handling by pivoting between closed and open positions, while also preventing container rotation during screw closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a carrier ring is used in conventional containers, then the container can be securely held and torqued during screw closure, but the device complexity increases and material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the carrier ring from the container design, extracting the unnecessary component while maintaining the closing function through alternative means (direct engagement of the closing device with the container neck). This simplifies the overall system by eliminating the intermediate carrier ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it directly grips the container neck, provides torque for screwing the closure, and supports the container during the closing operation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for a separate carrier ring.
2Productivity
If a fixed ramp rail is used to remove containers, then the container can be lifted out, but the tamper-evident band becomes worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp rail is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position and movement characteristics. This dynamic design enables the ramp rail to guide container removal without the tamper-evident band contacting or rubbing against the rail surface, preventing wear and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable ramp rail acts as an intermediary that facilitates container removal through a controlled path, ensuring that the tamper-evident band does not directly contact the rail. The ramp rail mediates between the container and the removal mechanism, protecting the delicate band.
3Reliability
If the holding arrangement uses a single rigid structure, then the container can be held securely, but the space requirements and collision risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arrangement is divided into multiple holding arms that can pivot independently. Each arm can be positioned to contact the container at optimal points, providing secure holding with reduced overall space requirements compared to a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding arms are designed to be pivotable, allowing them to adapt their position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the holding arrangement to secure the container effectively while occupying less space and reducing the risk of collisions with surrounding components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a container in a container handling machine, for example for holding a support-ring-free bottle for the application of a screw closure, includes a carrier and a holding arrangement arranged on the carrier. The holding arrangement is movable relative to the carrier between a closed position for holding the container and an open position for releasing the container. The holding arrangement includes a collar-shaped support projection for supporting the container on a retaining ring of the container. The collar-shaped support projection includes a support projection region of a first holding arm and a support projection region of a second holding arm. The first holding arm and the second holding arm are arranged on the carrier so as to be pivotable in relation to one another for moving between the open position and the closed position.