Segmented Telescopic Cap Passage for Varying Container Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Container closing machines face challenges in accommodating varying container sizes, as crown corks need to traverse different distances, leading to inefficiencies in cap supply systems.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic cap-supply system with a length-adjustable cap passage formed by segments that can transition between a collapsed and extended state, allowing for flexible length adjustment and accommodation of different container sizes, while preventing cap misalignment and ensuring secure cap transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-length cap passage is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying container sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying container sizesVSAvoidcap passage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap passage is divided into multiple individual segments that can move relative to each other. Each segment is a separate component that connects to adjacent segments through displaceable connections, allowing the passage to change its overall length while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables the passage to adapt to different container sizes by adjusting the extension state of individual segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap passage transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescopic structure. The segments are designed to be displaceable relative to one another, allowing the passage to dynamically adjust its length between extended and collapsed states. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate varying container heights without requiring multiple fixed passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic cap passage is used, then adaptability to varying container sizes is improved, but the risk of cap misalignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying container sizesVSAvoidcap alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the cap passage into multiple segments, each segment can independently maintain the structural definition of the cap passage opening. The segments work together to guide caps through the telescopic structure while preventing misalignment, as each segment contributes to maintaining the passage's geometric integrity regardless of the overall extended or collapsed state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each segment is designed with specific local features that ensure proper cap guidance and alignment. The segments have tailored geometries and connection mechanisms that locally maintain the cap passage's functional properties, ensuring that caps remain properly aligned even as the overall passage length changes during telescopic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Length of moving object

If multiple segments are used to form the cap passage, then length adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap passage lengthVSAvoidnumber of segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segments are arranged in a nested or chained configuration where each segment connects to adjacent segments in a compact manner. When collapsed, the segments occupy minimal space; when extended, they unfold to provide the required length. This nesting approach allows significant length adjustment without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11059709B2Segmented telescopically adjustable cap passage

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 KHS GMBH

AI summary

A telescopic cap-supply that supplies caps for closing containers includes a cap passage having a length-adjustable section. Adjustment of a length of the length-adjustable section causes the length-adjustable section to transition between an extended state and a collapsed state. First, second, and third segments form the cap passage. Each of these segments is secured to an adjoining segment in such a manner that two adjoining segments are movable relative to each other.