Rotary Container Pusher for High-Speed Bottle Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molding machines produce a higher output of finished bottles than bottling lines can process, necessitating complex regulation and requiring fast, forceful ejection devices that current mechanical and pneumatic systems cannot provide.

Innovation Solution

A discharge device that rotates in and out on a rotary drive to divert containers from a transport path, using a pivotable ejection unit with a drive unit and contact area to release containers from clamps, optimized for high-speed and forceful ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If mechanical ejection devices (plungers) are used, then the structure is simple, but the switching speed and continuous ejection capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection speedVSAvoidejection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical plungers with a rotary discharge device that uses rotational motion to eject containers. The discharge device rotates about a pivot axis, using centrifugal force and mechanical leverage to achieve fast ejection without requiring complex mechanical switching mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems resolves the contradiction by enabling high-speed ejection through rotational dynamics rather than linear mechanical plunging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic rotational motion of the discharge device to achieve continuous high-speed ejection. The discharge device can rotate in different directions and speeds depending on the ejection requirements, allowing the system to adapt to varying production needs. This dynamic approach enables the system to maintain high ejection speeds while managing device complexity through controlled rotational movement rather than complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If pneumatic ejection devices are used, then the ejection speed is sufficient, but the ejection force is not enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection forceVSAvoidejection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the rotational inertia and centrifugal force generated by the rotating discharge device to counteract the weight and friction forces resisting container ejection. The rotational motion creates a centrifugal force that acts outward along the transport path, providing both the necessary ejection force and speed simultaneously. This approach resolves the contradiction by using rotational dynamics to generate both force and speed rather than relying on pneumatic pressure alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The rapid rotation and acceleration of the discharge device create dynamic mechanical forces that enhance both ejection force and speed. The accelerating and decelerating phases of rotation generate impulsive forces that effectively eject containers while maintaining high speed. This mechanical vibration and dynamic motion approach allows the system to achieve both sufficient force and high ejection speed without pneumatic assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Productivity

If high-frequency ejection is implemented, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer ejection rateVSAvoiddischarge device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary discharge device serves multiple functions: it can eject containers at high frequency, control ejection timing, and adapt to different container sizes and weights. The single rotational mechanism handles all these functions through variations in rotation speed, direction, and position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ejection mechanisms. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high productivity through a unified, relatively simple rotational system rather than complex multi-component ejection assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls ejection frequency and timing by varying parameters of the rotational motion, such as rotation speed, acceleration, and position angle. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can achieve high-frequency ejection when needed and reduce activity when not needed, managing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity. The control system adjusts rotational parameters rather than managing complex mechanical or pneumatic systems, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If containers are removed from the transport path, then the output is reduced, but the regulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebottle production outputVSAvoidsystem regulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback control to regulate the discharge device based on actual production needs. Sensors detect container positions and discharge status, providing feedback to the control system which adjusts the rotational discharge device accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of ejection timing and frequency, allowing the system to match output to bottling line capacity without requiring complex manual regulation. The feedback control resolves the contradiction by automating the regulation process, reducing operational complexity while maintaining productivity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient and dynamic control of container ejection, meeting high demands for reaction speed and force without tilting, suitable for various container types and conditions, including aseptic environments.

Implementation Method 1

the discharge device (41) has an ejection unit (42) which is pivotable with respect to a predetermined pivot axis (43), wherein this pivot axis (43) is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal directions of the containers (10, 11, 12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

the ejection unit (42) has at least one contact area (42) which contacts the containers (10, 11, 12) in order to divert them from the transport path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4177192B1Rotation pusher
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KRONES AG
  • EP4177192B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2c
  • EP4177192B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP4177192B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Device (1) for treating containers (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device (2) has a movable carrier on which a plurality of holding devices (22) for holding the containers (10) are arranged, wherein the containers (10) each have longitudinal directions (L), wherein the longitudinal directions of the containers (10) transported by the transport device (2) are aligned parallel to each other and the containers (10) are equidistantly spaced apart from each other, with a discharge device (4) which is suitable and intended for diverting individual containers (10) from the transport path, wherein the discharge device (4) has a discharge element (41) which has at least one contact area (42) which contacts the containers (10) in order to divert them from the transport path, characterized in thatthat the discharge device (41) is pivotable and/or rotatable with respect to a predetermined pivot axis (43) and that this pivot axis (43) is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal directions of the containers (10).