Rotating Guide Mechanism for Container Sealing Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container closing devices require time-consuming and costly manual adaptation of guide elements for different container types, as they interact directly with the container's outer contour, necessitating replacement when container formats change.

Innovation Solution

A rotating device with a guiding and holding mechanism featuring multiple guide elements adapted to various container formats, where at least one guide element can be brought into an engaged position during separation, allowing for easy adaptation by rotating the base body to position the correct guide element for the container type, with a motor-assisted and lockable system for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If guide elements are adapted precisely to the outer contour of the container, then the container can be held in a fixed position during separation, but the guide elements must be replaced when changing container types, which is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer position stabilityVSAvoidguide element replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element selection mechanism is made dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to switch between different guide elements based on the container type being processed. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual replacement while maintaining precise container positioning during separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element selection mechanism serves multiple functions: it selects the appropriate guide element for the current container type, maintains container positioning stability, and enables quick adaptation to different container formats. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable and adaptable.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If guide elements are replaced manually for different container types, then precise adaptation to container contours is achieved, but the adaptation process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer format adaptabilityVSAvoidadaptation cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the adaptation function automatically through the guide element selection mechanism, which self-adjusts based on the container type. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in the adaptation process, reducing both time and cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic selection capability allows the system to adapt to different container formats on-demand without manual reconfiguration. The guide element selection mechanism dynamically switches between stored guide elements, providing cost-effective adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single guide element design is used, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot adapt to different container formats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide element system complexityVSAvoidcontainer format versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element system is segmented into multiple discrete guide elements, each optimized for specific container formats. The guide element selection mechanism selects and positions the appropriate segment (guide element) based on the container type, maintaining overall system simplicity while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple guide elements are nested within the guide element selection mechanism, allowing compact storage of multiple container-specific guide elements in a space-efficient manner. This nesting approach maintains device simplicity while providing adaptability to different container formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 quick and cost-effective adaptation to different container formats without manual intervention, improving efficiency and reducing downtime in high-output container closing systems like those in the beverage industry.

Implementation Method 1

a motor-assisted and lockable system for precise positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a motor-assisted and lockable system for precise positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4161861B1Device for closing of containers
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 KHS GMBH
  • EP4161861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4161861B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for sealing containers (20) or the like. The present invention is particularly characterized in that at least one guidance and holding device (25) is provided with at least two guide elements (26...30) adapted to differing container formats, which elements are arranged to be rotatable on the circumference of a main body (31) of the guidance and holding device in such a manner that at least one guide element, at least during the separation of the sealing element (6) from the container sealed with a container closure (21), can be brought into an engagement position with the container shoulder (2.1) of said container, while the at least one other guide element is in a non-engaged position.