Quick-change disc supports with magnetic torque coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container handling and transportation devices require frequent and costly changes when switching between container sizes, involving complex part conversions and lengthy changeover times.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotatable carrier and receiving plates that can be easily coupled and decoupled via automatic torque transmission, allowing for quick adaptation to different container sizes without complete reconfiguration, along with a radially adjustable guide set for varying container diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fittings are retooled and support plates are removed when changing containers, then the device can adapt to different container sizes, but the changeover time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidchangeover time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: the support plate is separated from the inlet fitting, and the inlet fitting is further divided into a stationary part and a rotatable part. This segmentation allows the support plate to remain in place while only the inlet fitting components are changed, significantly reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet fitting incorporates a rotatable part that can be rotated into different positions to accommodate different container sizes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for complete retooling, as the same fitting can be quickly reconfigured for different products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fittings are retooled for each container size, then the device can handle different container diameters, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of different container diametersVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet fitting is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple container sizes through its rotatable part. Instead of manufacturing separate fittings for each container size, a single multi-functional fitting serves all sizes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable part of the inlet fitting provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the same fitting to be used for different container diameters by simply rotating to the appropriate position. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized fittings, reducing overall manufacturing expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If all support plates are removed when changing containers, then the device can be reconfigured for different products, but the complexity of the changeover process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidchangeover process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet fitting is segmented into stationary and rotatable parts, allowing changeover to be performed on only the rotatable part while the support plate remains in place. This reduces the complexity of the changeover process by limiting the number of components that need to be removed and reinstalled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If coupling means require manual assembly actions, then the connection between drive means and support plates is secure, but the coupling process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are designed to automatically engage and secure the support plate to the drive means when the support plate is inserted. This self-coupling mechanism eliminates the need for manual assembly actions, reducing coupling time while maintaining secure connection through automatic torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Significantly reduces changeover times and costs by enabling seamless transitions between container sizes and diameters, simplifying handling and reducing the need for extensive retooling.

Implementation Method 1

The axial coupling is created via a magnetic force and/or via weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3676186B1Device comprising quick-change disc supports and a displaceable guide curve

Publication Date: 2024.07.17 KRONES AG

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Figure 4~5a

AI summary

A device for handling containers (10) comprising a support (2) that can rotate about an axis of rotation (D), a plurality of receiving discs (4) being provided on the support (2) and each receiving disc (4) being rotatable about an axis of rotation and being suitable and designed for the support of the containers (10), characterised in that in addition, drive means (6) are provided on the support (2), said means being rotatable about predefined axes of rotation and being couplable to the receiving discs (4) for conjoint rotation. The rotating discs can be removed from the drive means (6) and the drive means (6) and/ or the rotating discs have coupling means (8) which allow torque to be transmitted between the drive means (6) and the receiving discs (4).