Sawtooth Star Transport Device for Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for container treatment machines require lengthy and costly setup times when changing container sizes, as they need to replace star wheels and adjust guide elements for different container diameters, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a sawtooth star integrated with an elastic element and a control device that adjusts the container transfer position and relative angular position between the transport carousel and sawtooth star based on container diameter, allowing for automatic adaptation to various container sizes without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If star wheels and guide elements are replaced for different container diameters, then container adaptability is improved, but setup time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport star is designed with a variable diameter contour that can be dynamically adjusted to match different container diameters. The star's contour elements are positioned at variable radial distances from the rotation axis, allowing the effective diameter to be changed without replacing the entire star wheel, thus reducing setup time while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the transport star by varying the radial distance of contour elements from the rotation axis. This parameter adjustment allows the same physical star wheel to adapt to different container diameters, eliminating the need for physical replacement and reducing setup time
2Adaptability or versatility
If star wheels are replaced for different container diameters, then container adaptability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single transport star wheel is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different container diameters through variable contour positioning. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized star wheels, reducing device complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The transport star is segmented into multiple contour elements that can be independently positioned at different radial distances. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the star's effective diameter without requiring complete replacement, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If guide elements are adjusted for different container diameters, then container adaptability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a control device that automatically detects container diameter and adjusts the transport star's contour positioning without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates complex manual adjustment procedures, maintaining ease of operation while achieving full adaptability
4Manufacturing precision
If synchronous drive is used between transport star and carousel, then transfer precision is improved, but flexibility for format changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous drive system is made dynamic by allowing the transport star's effective diameter to be adjusted during operation. This enables the system to maintain precise synchronous transfer for different container formats without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of components, combining precision with flexibility
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 efficient and rapid format changes, reducing downtime and increasing flexibility by ensuring correct container transfer across a wide range of diameters without the need for manual adjustments or extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
a transport device (100, 100') with a transport carousel (150) and with a sawtooth star (170, 130) whose sawtooth contour has star pockets (160) for receiving containers (120) of different sizes, with at least one elastic element (180) which can deform elastically and which can hold a container (120) in a star pocket (160)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a transport device for a container handling machine which has a transport rotary table (150) on which a plurality of container holders (140) are located, and at least one sawtooth star part (130, 170) having a sawtooth contour for receiving a plurality of star pockets (160) of containers (120-1, 120-2). Integrated in sawtooth star parts (130, 170) there is provided with an elastic element (189) which keeps the container (120-1, 120-2) at a certain point in one of the pockets of the sawtooth star parts (130, 170) depending on vessel diameter. Furthermore, the transport device has a control device for controlling a container transfer position between the transport rotary table (150) and the sawtooth star parts (130, 170) dependent on the container diameter. The invention also relates to the container handling machine for vertically rotating symmetric containers.