Rotating Turret Centering Head for Flexible Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling machines are inflexible when dealing with different container shapes and sizes, requiring manual adjustment and part replacement for proper fixation, leading to increased setup times and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A container handling machine with a variably adjustable centering head that can be lowered vertically and rotated, featuring a turret with multiple centering elements that can be easily switched between operating and rest positions, allowing for quick adaptation to various container sizes and shapes without manual intervention, and equipped with air supply for sterile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed centering bell is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different container shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The centering head is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple container types through a turret mechanism holding different centering bells. The turret can be rotated to select the appropriate centering bell for each container shape and size, making the device adaptable to various containers without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering head incorporates a rotatable turret that can dynamically switch between different centering bells during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt to different container types on the fly, rather than being fixed to a single configuration.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment and part replacement is required for different containers, then the device can be precisely adjusted, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple centering bells are pre-mounted on the turret in specific positions before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid selection and switching between different container types during operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and part replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The turret mechanism creates a standardized interface for mounting different centering bells, allowing operators to quickly swap between pre-prepared centering elements without complex adjustment procedures. Each position on the turret is designed to accommodate a specific centering bell type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding device is lowered vertically to fix containers, then containers of different sizes can be held, but the mechanism requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The centering head utilizes rotational movement around a vertical axis to accommodate containers of different sizes, rather than relying solely on vertical movement. By rotating the turret to select appropriately sized centering bells, the device adapts to different container dimensions without requiring excessive vertical travel space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container handling device (10) for holding, gripping, and/or rotating containers (12) standing on a support at their upper opening (14) and/or at their neck. The device (10) has at least two vertically adjustable and/or vertically force-transmitting holding and/or centering elements (18) that can be alternately adjusted between an operating position and a rest position, so that the holding and/or centering element (18) in the operating position can be brought into engagement with a container (12). The at least two holding and/or centering elements (18) are arranged on a common holding device (22), by rotating the device through a defined pivot angle each holding and/or centering element (18) located thereon can be pivoted between its operating and rest positions.The invention also relates to a method for holding, gripping and/or rotating containers (12) standing on a support of such a container handling device (10).