Rotatable Transport Device Segment Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container transport devices, such as bottle cappers, face challenges in quick and safe replacement of segments, often requiring movement along the axis of rotation, which can be difficult and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable transport device composed of multiple segments with recesses on its outer circumference and holding bodies that allow for perpendicular movement relative to the axis of rotation, featuring a connecting device for detachable segment connection and a locking mechanism that enables quick change without tools, ensuring stability during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If segments are secured against twisting relative to the carrier during operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport body is divided into multiple segments that can be independently removed and replaced. Each segment can be detached by moving it radially outward perpendicular to the axis of rotation, allowing individual segment replacement without affecting the entire transport body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimension of segment movement from axial (parallel to rotation axis) to radial (perpendicular to rotation axis). The segments are designed to be movable radially outward for removal and radially inward for installation, providing a new dimension for segment replacement that simplifies the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If segments can be quickly replaced by moving perpendicular to the axis of rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential displacement during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment replacement easeVSAvoidsegment position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transport body design allows dynamic movement of segments in the radial direction for replacement purposes. During normal operation, the segments are secured in their operational position, and the dynamic capability is activated only when segment replacement is required, providing both ease of operation and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the transport body into separable segments with standardized connection interfaces, the patent enables quick replacement through radial movement while maintaining stable operation when segments are properly installed. The segmented design with standardized interfaces ensures both ease of replacement and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cross section of openings is larger than the engagement area of holding bodies, then ease of operation is improved for segment removal, but device complexity increases due to precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment detachment easeVSAvoidopening and engagement area design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening cross section is deliberately made slightly larger than the holding body engagement area. This excessive dimension provides clearance that facilitates easy insertion and removal of segments in the radial direction, while the holding bodies provide sufficient engagement to prevent displacement during operation. The slight dimensional excess simplifies operation without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2116490B1Quickly exchangeable device for transporting containers
Publication Date: 2012.04.18 KRONES AG
  • EP2116490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2116490B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2116490B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The device has a transport body (2) rotatably arranged at a geometric rotation axis. The body has openings and recesses (4) on an outer circumference for receiving a region of containers to be transported, and holding bodies (12) hold the body. An extension direction of the holding bodies extends at an angle relative to a plane of the body. The openings have a cross section larger than a cross section of an engagement region of the holding bodies arranged in the openings, so that segments (2a, 2b) are temporarily moved relative to the holding bodies in a direction perpendicular to the axis. An independent claim is also included for a system for closing of containers with closing devices.