Rotating Lid Applicator with Item Attachment Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatically applying lids to containers face challenges in production rate due to misalignment of additional items, damage from glue, and complexity in attaching items like scoops, which affect efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable device unit with circumferentially distributed lid holding members, a glue application unit, and an item application unit that attaches additional items to lids before they are applied to containers, eliminating the need for additional production stages and using glue, and allowing for secure attachment without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the production rate is increased by supplying containers at high speed, then productivity improves, but the additional item may miss the container opening causing misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The additional item is attached to the lid before the lid is applied to the container. This preliminary attachment ensures that the item is securely positioned relative to the lid, eliminating alignment issues that would occur with high-speed container supply. The item-lid assembly is then applied as a unit to the container, maintaining precision regardless of supply speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The process is segmented into distinct stages: lid application and additional item attachment are performed in the same manufacturing stage, but the item attachment to the lid is prepared beforehand. This segmentation allows the lid-item assembly to be treated as a single unit, decoupling the precision requirement from the container supply speed.
2Strength
If hot melt glue is used to attach the additional item to the lid, then attachment strength improves, but a separate production stage is required allowing glue to cool off
Solution Approach 1:
The lid application process and the additional item attachment process are merged into a single manufacturing stage. The lid is applied to the container, and the additional item is attached to the lid in the same operational sequence, eliminating the need for a separate production stage and the associated cooling time for hot melt glue.
3Ease of manufacture
If the additional item is attached to the inner lid, then attachment is simplified, but the glue may loosen and contaminate the product
Solution Approach 1:
The additional item is attached to the outer lid rather than the inner lid, extracting the attachment process from the sealed container environment. This prevents any potential glue loosening or contamination of the product inside the sealed container, while still maintaining ease of manufacture through the same attachment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the additional item extends out from the underside of the lid, then functionality is improved, but stacking of lids becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The additional item is attached to the lid in a preliminary manner that allows for subsequent stacking. The attachment method and positioning are designed beforehand to accommodate stacking requirements, ensuring that items extending from the underside can be securely attached while maintaining stackability through proper structural design.
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 enhances production rate, reliability, and storage efficiency by attaching items to lids simultaneously with lid application, ensuring secure and damage-free attachment without the need for separate handling or glue.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transfer device configured to grip an individual additional item from the item supply unit and attach the individual additional item onto the lid
Implementation Method 2
a glue application unit configured to apply glue to an outer edge of a lid held by one of the lid holding members
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an apparatus for automatic application of lids to containers, said apparatus comprising a rotatable device unit comprising a plurality of circumferentially distributed lid holding members, a lid feeding unit, a glue application unit and a lid application unit. The lid holding members can be directed to each of the units simultaneously by rotating the rotatable device unit. The rotatable device unit further comprises an item application unit configured to fit an individual additional item onto the lid before the lid is attached to the container. The item application unit comprises an item supply unit and at least one movable gripping device configured to grip an individual additional item from the item supply unit and fit the individual additional item onto the lid. The invention also concerns a method for automatic application of lids to containers.