Planar Motor Capping Apparatus Independent Carrier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping apparatuses for pourable product packages are prone to operational interruptions when one mounting device malfunctions, and maintenance is often disruptive to productivity.
Innovation Solution
A capping apparatus with a planar motor and carriers that provide six-degrees of freedom movement, allowing for precise control and alignment of packages and caps, enabling independent operation of each carrier and allowing for parallel operation of multiple mounting and sealing stations, reducing the impact of device malfunctions and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple mounting devices are arranged in succession to apply caps onto packages, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because malfunction of one device interrupts operation of the capping apparatus as a whole
Solution Approach 1:
The capping apparatus is divided into multiple independent mounting devices (first mounting device and second mounting device) that can operate independently. Each mounting device has its own mounting head and control system, allowing one device to continue operating even when another malfunctions, thus maintaining continuous production while improving both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different mounting devices are positioned at different locations (first mounting device at first location, second mounting device at second location) with potentially different mounting heads configured for specific package types. This local specialization allows each device to handle specific tasks independently, preventing system-wide interruptions when one device encounters issues
2Productivity
If mounting devices are arranged in succession for parallel operation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple conveying apparatus and mounting heads
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying apparatus is designed with universal functionality to handle both packages and caps, transporting them through different stations (first conveying station, second conveying station, third conveying station). This multi-functional conveyor system reduces the need for separate dedicated conveyors for each mounting device, thereby improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity
3Reliability
If separate and spaced apart mounting devices are used for parallel operation, then reliability is improved through independent operation, but device complexity increases due to separate conveying apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conveying apparatus are merged into a single integrated conveying system that services multiple mounting devices. The conveying apparatus includes multiple conveying stations that can transport packages to different mounting locations and caps to corresponding positions, enabling independent operation of mounting devices while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation
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
Enables continuous operation even if one mounting or sealing device fails, allowing for efficient capping and reducing downtime for maintenance, while maintaining high productivity with multiple carriers and stations.
Implementation Method 1
A capping apparatus with a planar motor and carriers that provide six-degrees of freedom movement, allowing for precise control and alignment of packages and caps
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a capping apparatus (15) for applying caps (7) onto packages (2) produced in a packaging machine (1) comprising a conveying device (16) having a planar motor (22) provided with a plurality of carriers (23) configured to receive respective packages (2) at an inlet station (17) and to advance the respective packages (2) to an outlet station (18) and a plurality of mounting devices (19), each one arranged at a respective mounting station (20) and configured to mount caps (7) onto the respective packages (2) conveyed to the respective mounting station (20). The conveying device (16) is configured to selectively advance each carrier (23) from the inlet station (17) to one respective mounting station (20) such that the respective mounting device (19) mounts, in use, the respective cap (7) onto the respective package (2) carried by the carrier (23). The conveying device (16) is also configured to advance each carrier (23) from the respective mounting station (20) to the outlet station (18) so as to permit discharging of the respective packages (2) at the outlet station (18).