Sealing Machine Rotor Cleaning via Incremental Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing machines have regions that are difficult to clean, requiring disassembly and are often inaccessible, leading to time-consuming and complex cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing machine with a drive system that allows the rotor carrying sealing elements to rotate continuously during production and incrementally in cleaning mode, enabling individual or grouped sealing elements to be moved to a docking station for treatment with a cleaning medium, which is automatically fed, flushed through, and discharged, without interfering with normal production operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing machine is designed with permanent connections for cleaning medium delivery, then cleaning of difficult-to-reach portions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the sealing machine to alternate between production mode (continuous rotation) and cleaning mode (incremental rotation with docking station engagement). The drive system dynamically changes its operation characteristics, and the docking station is mechanically coupled only when needed for cleaning, avoiding permanent complex connections while enabling thorough cleaning when required.
2Ease of operation
If the rotor is stopped for cleaning, then intensive internal cleaning is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning process into discrete phases: the rotor rotates continuously during production, then stops incrementally to position specific sealing elements at the docking station for cleaning. This segmentation allows cleaning to occur on individual sealing elements or small groups without requiring complete shutdown of the entire sealing machine, maintaining overall productivity while enabling intensive cleaning where needed.
3Productivity
If the rotor rotates continuously during production, then productivity is improved, but cleaning accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the rotor to rotate continuously during production phases, then periodically stopping at incremental positions to dock with the cleaning station. This periodic interruption enables cleaning access without requiring continuous shutdown, maintaining high productivity during production while providing regular opportunities for cleaning. The drive system switches between continuous rotation mode and incremental positioning mode as needed.
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
Facilitates intensive internal cleaning and disinfecting of sealing elements with a reliable and simplified process, reducing the need for complex designs and manual intervention, ensuring thorough treatment without disrupting production.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing machine or sealing assembly, or the rotor carrying its sealing elements, are driven by a drive, for example a servo or direct drive, which is not only independent of the driving of other assemblies or machines
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element, and in particular its interior, as well as its sealing tools are flushed around or flushed through repeatedly with interruptions, or continuously, and/or are treated with the cleaning medium
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning a sealing element includes pausing a rotor that bears the sealing elements at an angle from a set of discrete angles such that a sealing element is brought to a cleaning station. The station's coupling piece connects to the sealing element and allows cleaning medium to flow into it.