Rotary Lid Coupling for Capsules With Reduced Filling Spillage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coupling lids onto capsules, particularly those filled with volatile materials, face limitations due to constrained movement orientations, potential spillage, and reduced device lifespan, necessitating improved control over air pressure and movement to minimize spillage and extend device life.

Innovation Solution

A coupling unit with a rotary kinematic mechanism allows for a gripping and coupling device to move along a curved trajectory, minimizing movements and optimizing the approach of the lid to the capsule, using suction cups and inert gas atmosphere modification to stabilize the container contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional coupling methods are used to move lids onto capsules, then the coupling process can be completed, but spillage of volatile filling materials occurs and device lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespillage of filling materialsVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved trajectory for the coupling device movement, replacing conventional linear or angular paths. The coupling device follows a curved path that minimizes abrupt movements and orientations, thereby preventing spillage of volatile filling materials while reducing mechanical stress on the device components, thus extending device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the movement parameters of the coupling device by implementing a curved trajectory with optimized speed and acceleration profiles. This parameter change allows the device to approach and couple the lid to the capsule more smoothly, minimizing disturbances that cause spillage and reducing wear on mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If conventional movement orientations are used for coupling devices, then the coupling can be performed, but spillage of volatile materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespillage of volatile materialsVSAvoidcoupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device moves along a curved trajectory rather than conventional linear or angular paths. This curved movement optimizes the approach orientation, minimizing disturbances to the capsule contents and preventing spillage of volatile materials while maintaining ease of operation through automated path control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical coupling mechanisms with a more sophisticated curved trajectory control system. This substitution allows for more precise control over the coupling device's movement path, reducing spillage risks while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional coupling approaches are used, then coupling can be completed, but device lifespan is reduced due to excessive movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoidcoupling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The curved trajectory approach optimizes the movement path of the coupling device, reducing the total distance and number of movement corrections required compared to conventional linear or angular approaches. This extends device lifespan by reducing mechanical wear while maintaining high coupling speed through efficient path optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved trajectory enables continuous, smooth movement of the coupling device without abrupt stops, starts, or directional changes. This continuous action reduces mechanical stress and wear on the device, extending its lifespan while maintaining high productivity through uninterrupted coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This solution reduces spillage, extends device lifespan, and increases productivity by enabling precise and reproducible coupling, adapting to different filling products while maintaining a stable engagement.

Implementation Method 1

using suction cups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12545460B2Coupling unit and coupling method for coupling a component to a container and apparatus for producing articles correlated thereto

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 GD SPA

AI summary

A coupling unit for coupling a component for a container includes a coupling equipment. The coupling equipment includes: a frame, a housing constrained to the frame, a gripping device rotatably constrained with respect to the frame and including a retaining element to selectively retain the component, and a coupling device constrained to the gripping device with respect to the frame, the coupling device including a coupling element to constrain a portion of the component to a coupling surface of the container at a coupling position. The gripping device and the coupling device can move along an arc with a curved trajectory to a removal position where the retaining element is oriented to receive at least one component to be retained, and to a coupling position where the retaining element and the coupling element bring an abutment surface of the container and a couplable portion of the component into contact.