Polyamide-imide Guide Rollers for Aseptic Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating plastic containers face issues with high wear and tear and contamination due to the use of steel rollers, which require frequent lubrication and hardening, particularly problematic in aseptic applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of imidized plastic rollers and guide curves, such as polyamide-imide or PEEK with reinforcing fibers, eliminates the need for lubrication and hardening, reducing wear and tear, and is suitable for aseptic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel rollers are used for guide curves, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the wear resistance is poor and frequent lubrication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the guide rollers from steel to polyamide-imide plastic. This material substitution fundamentally alters the friction and wear characteristics, eliminating the need for lubrication while providing self-lubricating properties through the plastic material's inherent low friction coefficient and wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polyamide-imide, a high-performance engineering plastic with composite-like properties including high strength, exceptional wear resistance, and self-lubricating characteristics. This material combines multiple desirable properties that steel alone cannot provide, particularly in terms of reducing wear and eliminating lubrication requirements.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If guide curves are hardened to increase durability, then the service life is extended, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the guide curves from hardened steel to polyamide-imide plastic. This eliminates the need for hardening heat treatment processes while maintaining or improving service life through the plastic's inherent wear resistance and toughness, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Force
If lubrication is applied to steel rollers, then the friction is reduced, but the grease squirting causes soiling and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The polyamide-imide plastic rollers provide self-lubrication through their inherent material properties. The plastic material itself acts as the lubricant, providing low friction and wear resistance without requiring external lubrication, thereby eliminating grease contamination entirely.
4Productivity
If the speed of cam rollers is increased to improve productivity, then the output is enhanced, but the wear increases and lubrication becomes more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the rollers to polyamide-imide plastic, which maintains its wear-resistant and self-lubricating properties even at high speeds. This allows the system to operate at higher productivity levels without the wear and lubrication problems that plagues steel rollers at increased speeds.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for treating containers (10), comprising a movable carrier (2), which is preferably a carrier (2) rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation, on which a plurality of treatment stations (8) for treating the containers (10) are arranged, wherein each of these treatment stations (8) has at least one element (42, 44, 46) movable with respect to the carrier (2) and wherein this movable element (42, 44, 46) is coupled at least temporarily by means of a coupling device (6) to a stationary guide cam (12, 14) such that a relative movement between the treatment station (8) and the guide cam causes a movement of the movable element (42, 44, 46).According to the invention, the coupling device (6) has at least one guide roller (62) which rolls at least temporarily relative to the guide cam (12), wherein this guide roller and/or the guide cam is at least partially made of an imitated plastic.