Self-Centering Clamping Groups for Container Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing step-wise feeding devices for containers to linear or rotary machines are inefficient due to the need for extensive equipment changes and storage with each container format change, resulting in production losses and space requirements, and they are not suitable for continuous movement machines.

Innovation Solution

A step-wise feeding device with self-centring clamping groups and independent actuation means, allowing containers of varying shapes and sizes to be securely held and transported without the need for equipment replacement, using flat side boards that can engage containers from above and accommodate continuous movement machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional equipment (augers, stars, guides) is constructed for each container format, then the container can be handled and conveyed, but the equipment is bulky and requires extensive storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer format handlingVSAvoidstorage space for equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support base is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple container formats through adjustable clamping groups. Instead of having dedicated equipment for each container format, a single support base with adjustable clamping mechanisms can adapt to different container sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for extensive storage of multiple specialized equipment sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment is removed and replaced for each container format change, then the new format can be handled, but production time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer format adaptabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping groups are designed with adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow quick adaptation to different container formats without complete equipment replacement. The actuation means enable dynamic adjustment of clamping positions and configurations, allowing format changes to be made rapidly during production rather than requiring equipment removal and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support base is divided into modular clamping groups that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows specific clamping elements to be repositioned or reconfigured for different container formats while the rest of the support base remains in place, enabling quick format changes without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If cradles are used to contain each container format, then the container can be conveyed, but the cradles are bulky and require storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer format containmentVSAvoidstorage space for cradles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support base serves as a universal cradle that can contain and convey multiple container formats. Instead of requiring separate bulky cradles for each format, the adjustable clamping groups on a single support base provide format-specific containment, eliminating the need to store multiple dedicated cradles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of cradles is performed when format changes, then format adaptability is achieved, but time is still lost and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer format adaptationVSAvoidtime for format change

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual adjustment of cradles is replaced with an automated actuation system that mechanically adjusts the clamping groups. This substitution eliminates manual intervention and reduces the time required for format changes, as the actuation means can quickly reposition clamping elements in response to control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation means are pre-positioned and configured to enable rapid adjustment of the clamping groups. The system is prepared in advance with the capability to quickly transition between formats, reducing the actual time needed for format changes during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11459186B2Step-wise feeding device of containers

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 OCME OFFICINA COSTR MECEGNICHE EMILIANA

AI summary

A step-wise feeding device of containers equipped with a mouth, a plane of symmetry passing through the mouth, includes support bases and transportation means of the support bases in a feeding direction. Each support base can be associated with and dissociated from the transportation means, and each support base includes a clamping group of a container, the clamping group having a closed clamping position and an open loading and unloading position. The clamping group is a gripper-type including two side boards, sustained by supports on opposite sides of the support base, which move in a self-centering manner with respect to an axis. Each support base has a bearing plane for the bottom of the container, on which a virtual point is defined, arranged on a longitudinal axis at a fixed distance from a front end of the support base, for centering the mouth of any container arranged on the plane.