Holding Device for Plastic Preforms with Replaceable Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for plastic preforms are not stable and do not adapt well to different diameters, limiting their usability in the beverage manufacturing industry.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a spreader mechanism between holding elements that can be adjusted by replacing a spreader element, allowing for adaptation to various container geometries and clamping forces, and made from non-metallic materials to accommodate microwave heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If holding elements are made to grip plastic preforms at their mouths, then the preforms can be held and transported, but the holding is not stable and permanent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding stabilityVSAvoidholding device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are designed to be movable relative to each other through slots, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gripping force and position. This enables the holding device to adapt to different preform diameters and maintain stable holding without requiring complex fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is divided into multiple holding elements that can move independently, with a spreader mechanism that can be replaced to adjust the geometry. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If holding elements are designed for specific diameters, then they can hold preforms securely, but they cannot adapt to different diameters of container mouths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to different diametersVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed with replaceable spreader elements that can be exchanged to accommodate different preform geometries and diameters. The basic holding structure remains universal, while the interchangeable spreader elements provide the adaptability needed for different container sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements can move relative to each other along slots, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the same holding device to adapt to different diameters by adjusting the position of holding elements, maintaining ease of operation through simple mechanical movement rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If metal holding devices are used, then they provide strong gripping force, but they interfere with microwave heating of plastic preforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping forceVSAvoidmicrowave heating interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces metal mechanical components with non-metallic materials that do not interfere with microwave heating. The holding elements and spreader are made from materials such as plastic or ceramic that are transparent to microwaves, allowing the mechanical gripping function to be maintained without the harmful electromagnetic interference caused by metal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If holding elements are pressed tightly together, then secure gripping is achieved, but the device cannot adapt to different opening geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping securityVSAvoidgeometry adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are designed to move relative to each other along slots, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the device to press holding elements tightly together for secure gripping while simultaneously adapting to different opening geometries through the movement and replacement of the spreader mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2985128B1Holding device for plastic preforms

Publication Date: 2018.01.31 KRONES AG

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AI summary

Holding device (1) for holding plastic containers (10) and in particular plastic preforms, comprising a holding section (2) that can be inserted into an opening (10a) of the plastic containers (10), wherein the holding section (2) has at least a first holding element (22) and a second holding element (24), which are movable relative to each other and which each have a section (22a) that can be pressed against an inner wall of the opening (10a). According to the invention, a spreading body (6) is located between the holding elements (22), (24), which is arranged such that it supports the two holding elements (22, 24) at least temporarily, wherein a replaceable spreading element (62) is arranged on this spreading body (6), wherein this spreading element (22, 24) is located at least section by section between the spreading body (6) and the holding elements (22, 24).