Pneumatic Clamping Unit for Container Handling Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping units for container processing machines, particularly rotary machines, face challenges with fixed clamping forces that are not adaptable to different container types, and require complex conversions and limited positional control of centering brackets, especially when handling various container materials and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A clamping unit with a vertically movable lifting arm driven by a motor and equipped with a pneumatic spring, allowing adjustable clamping force and independent operation, combined with a threaded spindle and linear guide for precise movement, enabling flexible clamping and easy installation on rotary machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If mechanical compression springs are used to generate clamping force, then the clamping force is sufficient to position containers correctly, but the clamping force is fixed and cannot be adapted to different container types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidadaptability to different container types

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical compression springs with a pneumatic spring that uses compressed air to generate clamping force. This pneumatic system allows the clamping force to be adjusted by varying the air pressure, enabling adaptation to different container types while maintaining sufficient clamping force for correct positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the clamping force from fixed (mechanical spring) to variable (pneumatic spring with adjustable air pressure). By controlling the air pressure parameter, the system can adapt the clamping force to match different container materials, wall thicknesses, and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If stationary lifting cams are used to raise centering brackets, then the centering brackets can be positioned during feeding/removal, but the vertical position depends on the lifting curve section and cannot be controlled when the machine is stationary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering bracket positioningVSAvoidpositional control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lifting cam system with a motor-driven lifting arm mechanism. This substitution allows the centering bracket to be raised and lowered independently of the rotary machine's operational cycle, providing precise positional control whether the machine is moving or stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms the static, cam-dependent lifting system into a dynamic, motor-controlled system. The lifting arm can be actuated at any time and position, providing flexibility in controlling the vertical position of centering brackets regardless of the machine's operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the clamping unit is designed for specific container types, then the clamping force is optimized, but the conversion cost increases when processing different container types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force optimizationVSAvoidconversion cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal clamping unit with a pneumatic spring that can handle multiple container types without requiring physical conversion. The system maintains optimized clamping force for each container type by adjusting the air pressure parameter, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical conversions between different container specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible and precise clamping of various container types with adjustable clamping force, facilitating efficient processing and reducing the need for complex conversions, while allowing independent operation of the centering brackets, enhancing machine usability and output.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic spring, against the resistance of which the centering bracket is mounted for upward movement on the lift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The motor enables the lifting arm and the centering bracket attached to it to be lifted independently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP2845813B1Clamping unit for containers on container handling machines

Publication Date: 2017.08.23 KRONES AG

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Figure 2

AI summary

A clamping unit (1) for containers (2) on treatment machines (31) is described. According to the invention, in addition to a vertically movable lifting arm (3) with a centering bracket (4) for clamping a container from above, a motor (6) for driving the lifting arm and a pneumatic spring (5) are provided, against whose resistance the centering bracket is movably mounted on the lifting arm. This allows the lifting arms to be positioned in a desired vertical position independently of the movement or rotational position of an associated rotary machine, and the clamping force of the centering brackets to be adjusted easily and flexibly by applying suitable pressure to the pneumatic spring.