Variable Speed Screw Cap Closure Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closing devices with screw caps in beverage bottling plants lack flexibility in adjusting rotational speed and torque, leading to incomplete sealing and high variability in opening torque, especially due to mechanical limitations and inability to derive process parameters for control and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust the rotational speed of the closure receptacle in a beverage bottling plant by changing speeds when a predetermined height is reached, allowing for different screwing speeds and torques to accommodate various materials and container dimensions, with a linear motor for vertical movement and a rotary motor for rotation, enabling precise control of the screwing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical system with magnetic coupling or servomotor is used to rotate the closure receptacle, then the closure device can achieve the necessary rotation for screwing, but the rotational speed cannot be dynamically adjusted during the screwing process, leading to high variability in opening torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static mechanical drive system to a dynamic motor-driven system that can adjust rotational speed during operation. The motor allows the closure receptacle to rotate at different speeds at different stages of the screwing process, enabling precise control over the closing operation and ensuring consistent opening torque across all containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the rotational speed parameter during the screwing process. The motor control system adjusts the rotational speed based on the screwing stage and applied torque, allowing optimization of both speed and torque parameters to achieve reliable and consistent closing results.
2Ease of operation
If a purely mechanical stroke cam system is used to move the closure receptacle vertically, then the linear movement can be achieved, but no process parameters can be derived for control, regulation, or monitoring of the closing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical stroke cam system with a motor-driven linear actuation system. This substitution enables electronic control and monitoring of the vertical movement of the closure receptacle, allowing process parameters to be derived, measured, and regulated, thereby improving control capability while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a constant rotational speed is used throughout the screwing process, then the closing operation is simple to execute, but the screwing torque cannot be precisely controlled, resulting in incomplete sealing or excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the screwing process into distinct stages with different rotational speeds. The motor control system implements varying speed phases: a higher speed phase for initial screwing and a lower speed phase for final tightening, allowing precise torque control at each stage while maintaining overall process efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for closing a container (6) with a screw cap (5), preferably for closing a beverage container in a beverage filling plant, comprising receiving a screw cap (5) in a cap receptacle (2); moving the cap receptacle (2) in a longitudinal direction (30) to an initial height position (H0); rotating the cap receptacle (2) in a predetermined direction of rotation with a first rotational speed (ω1), wherein, upon reaching a predetermined height position (HV) of the cap receptacle (2) or a predetermined change in height of the cap receptacle (2), the cap receptacle (2) rotates with a second rotational speed (ω2) different from the first rotational speed (ω1); and a closing device and a beverage filling plant configured to carry out the above method.