Servo-Driven Seamer Assembly for Precise Double-Seam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seaming devices lack the capability to accurately and reliably monitor the position and speed of tooling during the seaming process, leading to inconsistent and potentially compromised seals in containers, requiring expensive and error-prone manual inspections and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A servo-driven seamer assembly that includes a frame, servo assemblies, dies, and a processing circuit to precisely control the rotational forces and positions of the chuck and dies, ensuring a consistent double-seam formation and real-time monitoring of seam quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seaming devices use cams and pneumatic air cylinders to cause rotation, then the seaming operation can be performed, but the position and speed of the tooling cannot be accurately monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical drive systems (cams and pneumatic air cylinders) with a servo-driven system. The servo motor provides precise rotational control of the chuck and tooling, enabling accurate position and speed monitoring through the servo controller without requiring complex mechanical monitoring structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the servo controller continuously monitors the position and speed of the rotating tooling and adjusts the motor output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables accurate monitoring and control of tooling position and speed throughout the seaming operation.
2Reliability
If conventional seaming devices are used, then the seaming operation can be performed, but the seam quality cannot be continuously monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The servo system provides continuous feedback on the seaming process parameters including position and speed. This data can be used to monitor seam quality in real-time, allowing the system to detect and correct issues before they result in defective seals, thereby improving reliability through automated monitoring.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional seaming devices operate without precise control, then the equipment is simpler, but the sealing operation is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise mechanical control systems with a servo-driven system that uses electronic control to achieve precise positioning and speed control. The servo motor and controller work together to ensure consistent double-seam formation by maintaining accurate control of tooling position and rotation speed throughout the seaming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo system dynamically adjusts the rotation speed and position of the tooling during the seaming operation. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the seaming process for each specific can and lid combination, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision while adapting to varying conditions in real-time.
4Measurement precision
If manual inspection equipment is used to monitor seam quality, then the cost is reduced, but the error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The servo system provides automated feedback on seaming parameters including position, speed, and torque. This automated monitoring eliminates the need for manual inspection, reducing human error while maintaining high measurement precision. The system can continuously track seam quality metrics and provide real-time alerts or corrections without requiring operator intervention.
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
The servo-driven seamer assembly enhances the reliability and repeatability of the seaming process, reducing costs and operator errors by providing precise control over the seaming operation and automatically identifying improperly sealed containers, thus ensuring higher quality seals.
Implementation Method 1
a first servo assembly, a second servo assembly... The first servo assembly is configured to selectively provide a first rotational force... The second servo assembly is configured to selectively reposition the second support element
Data Source
AI summary
A seamer assembly includes a frame, a first servo assembly, a second servo assembly, a first support element, a second support element, a first die, and a second die. The first servo assembly is coupled to the frame. The first servo assembly includes a chuck that is configured to be rotated by the first servo assembly. The second servo assembly is coupled to the frame. The first support element is configured to support a can subassembly that includes a can body and a lid relative to the frame where at least one of the first support element, the first servo assembly and second servo assembly move relative to the other of the first support element, the first servo assembly and second servo assembly. The second support element is coupled to the second servo assembly. The first die is coupled to the second support element. The second die is coupled to the second support element. The first support element is configured to support a can subassembly such that the chuck is received in a first chuck position. The first servo assembly is configured to selectively rotate the can subassembly when the chuck is received in the first chuck position. The second servo assembly is configured to selectively reposition the second support element such that the first die and the second die are correspondingly repositioned.