Radial Clamping Transfer Device for Capsule Track Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule filling machines lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for transferring capsules from a capsule receptacle to a downstream process station while maintaining track assignment and enabling thorough testing.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a transport segment having clamping receptacles and a clamping element acting radially, combined with ejectors using compressed air to transfer capsules, allowing for precise positioning and testing while maintaining individual capsule tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capsules are ejected and fed in an unordered manner via a chute, then the downstream process can be simplified, but process safety and track assignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transport segment with transport receptacles as an intermediary between the capsule segment and downstream process. This mediator maintains track assignment by providing dedicated receptacles that follow specific paths, enabling both ordered transfer and simplified downstream processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is segmented into multiple transport receptacles, each capable of holding and transporting individual capsules along defined tracks. This segmentation allows simultaneous ordered transfer of multiple capsules while maintaining their individual track assignments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid transport receptacle is used, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to securely hold capsules is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transport receptacle combines rigid outer walls for structural stability with a flexible clamping element for secure capsule holding. The local quality differs between the rigid support structure and the compliant gripping surface, optimizing both stability and holding security.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure integrates rigid materials for the main body with flexible materials for the clamping element, creating a composite structure that exhibits both structural stability and adaptive gripping capability.
3Reliability
If the clamping element acts axially, then the capsule is held firmly, but ejection requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the clamping element acting axially on the capsule, it is configured to act radially from the side walls. This inverted approach allows firm holding through radial clamping while enabling easy ejection by simply overcoming the radial friction force.
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 accurate transfer and testing of capsules with high reliability and flexibility, facilitating systematic error detection and improving process safety.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping force acts frictionally, exclusively transversely to the direction of movement of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
a spring element, a foam, an elastomer or the like can be provided
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a transfer device of a capsule filling machine for transferring at least one capsule from a capsule receptacle of a capsule segment to a downstream process station, and to a capsule filling machine having such a transfer device. The transfer device includes a transport segment having at least one transport receptacle, which extends along a vertical longitudinal axis, wherein the transport receptacle is configured as a clamping receptacle having a clamping element, acting radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transport receptacle, for the capsule.