Rotary Transfer Mechanism for Pourable Food Package Opening Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing units for applying opening devices to pourable food packages are inefficient, bulky, and lack versatility, requiring synchronized feed rates and complex operations that hinder high-speed processing and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A unit featuring a rotating wheel with gripping members that adjusts position and speed to match package spacing, allowing for flexible application of opening devices with adhesive coating and pressure assistance, enabling adaptable operation with different types of opening devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If synchronized feed rates are used for opening devices and packages, then the application process is simplified, but the output speed is limited and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary transfer mechanism where the feed rate of opening devices can be dynamically adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the transfer mechanism, while the package feed rate remains independent. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different production speeds without requiring synchronized feed rates, thereby increasing output speed while maintaining application simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex operations are used for opening device application, then the application precision is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the opening device feed and package feed systems. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the application operation by automatically positioning and transferring opening devices to packages, eliminating the need for complex synchronized operations while maintaining high application precision through controlled rotational movement and positioning.
3Productivity
If high-speed processing is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the impact during device transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary transfer mechanism enables high-speed processing by continuously rotating to transfer opening devices, eliminating the stopping and starting that causes impact in batch operations. The dynamic rotational motion allows for smooth, continuous transfer at high speeds, and the mechanism can be designed with cushioning elements to further reduce impact forces during the transfer process.
4Strength
If bulky units are used for opening device application, then the stability and strength are improved, but the ease of operation and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application system into modular segments: a rotary transfer mechanism for opening devices, a separate package conveyance system, and an application station. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and independently optimized, reducing the overall bulk while maintaining structural strength. The modular design also improves ease of operation by allowing operators to access and maintain individual components separately.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit (1, 1′) for applying opening devices (2, 2′) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1′) having first conveying means (8, 8′) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2′) successively along a first path (P1, P1′); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2′) from the first path (P1, P1′) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19′) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2′) from the first conveying means (8, 8′) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19′) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19′) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.