Rotary Platform Jaw Mechanism for Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport installations in processing lines are structurally complex, making them difficult to clean and generate particles due to numerous moving parts, which complicates the cleaning and decontamination process.
Innovation Solution
The installation uses an intermediate rotary platform with cells and jaws that pivot based on the container's neck, eliminating the need for dedicated actuators to control the retention mechanism, allowing the container to move the jaws between open and closed positions, simplifying the structure for easier cleaning and decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional actuators (pneumatic or electromagnetic cylinders) are used to control retention devices, then the container transport system can reliably retain and release containers, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional actuators (pneumatic or electromagnetic cylinders) from the retention device structure. Instead, the container's own neck acts as the actuating element, pushing the jaw between open and closed positions. This extraction of complex actuating mechanisms directly reduces structural complexity while maintaining retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's neck serves a dual function: it is both the object to be transported and the actuating mechanism that controls the retention jaw. The neck's insertion and removal automatically opens and closes the jaw without requiring separate actuating systems, making the system self-service and eliminating complex external actuators.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional actuators and multiple moving parts are used in retention devices, then container control is precise, but particles are generated and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates rollers, cams, and other intermediate moving parts that generate particles. The retention jaw pivots directly on a simple hinge axis, and the container neck directly actuates the jaw. This extraction of particle-generating components reduces contamination while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, robust jaw design with minimal moving parts that can be easily replaced or cleaned. The focus is on a durable, simple structure rather than complex precision mechanisms, allowing for easier maintenance and decontamination in processing environments.
3Ease of operation
If multiple moving parts and actuators are used in the transport system, then container retention and release functions are achieved, but the number of components increases making cleaning and decontamination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pneumatic or electromagnetic actuators, rollers, and cams from the retention device. The simplified structure consists mainly of a pivoting jaw and hinge mechanism, dramatically reducing the number of components that require cleaning and decontamination while preserving the retention and release functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an external actuator to move the jaw, the invention inverts the approach: the container's own neck becomes the actuating element. This reversal eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure for easier cleaning.
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 design simplifies the container transport system, reduces complexity, and facilitates cleaning and decontamination by relying on the container's neck to move the jaws, eliminating the need for additional moving parts and dedicated cleaning nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a jaw being mounted on the platform in the vicinity of each cavity to pivot between a closed position retaining the container in the cavity and an open position
Implementation Method 2
when the neck is introduced into the alveolus it pushes the first contact surface and brings the jaw into the closed position and a second contact surface extending opposite the alveolus when the jaw is in the closed position such that when the neck is evacuated from the alveolus it pushes the second contact surface and brings the jaw into the open position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a apparatus for transporting containers with necks. Said facility includes an intermediate rotatable platform (2) provided at the periphery thereof with recesses (7.2). Near each of the recesses a jaw assembly (8.2) is mounted so as to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Each jaw assembly is provided with a means for locking same in each position thereof and comprises: - a first contact surface (9.2) projecting into the recess when the jaw assembly is in the open position such that, when the neck is placed into the recess, it pushes on the first contact surface and moves the jaw element into the closed position; and - a second contact surface (10.2) extending opposite the recess when the jaw element is in the closed position such that, when the neck is removed from the recess, it pushes on the second contact surface and moves the jaw element into the open position.