Smoothing Roller Assembly for Container Neck Witness Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage container manufacturing processes result in uneven surfaces with visible witness marks due to incremental diametrical reductions, which are aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A turret head assembly with rotatably mounted smoothing rollers is used to engage and smooth the necked article, rotating to eliminate witness marks and create a smooth taper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple diametrical reductions are performed to form the neck portion, then the desired shape is achieved, but witness marks are created on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The smoothing roller is introduced as a preliminary action after the diametrical reduction process. The roller smooths the witness marks on the neck portion before the article leaves the forming apparatus, preventing the defective surface from reaching the final product and eliminating the need for post-processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The smoothing roller acts as an intermediary element between the diametrical reduction tool and the final product. It temporarily engages with the neck portion to correct surface defects caused by the reduction process, then releases the article without affecting subsequent operations.
2Ease of operation
If the smoothing roller is rotatably mounted, then it can freely rotate during engagement, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure provides localized support only where needed - the roller is rotatably mounted at its engagement point with the neck portion while maintaining a simple overall apparatus design. This localized rotational freedom allows the roller to naturally conform to surface variations without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device.
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates witness marks, producing an aesthetically pleasing smooth surface on the container neck, enhancing its appearance and potentially increasing column strength.
Implementation Method 1
The smoothing portion of the smoothing roller is engaged with at least a portion of the necked portion of the necked article, thereby smoothing the witness marks on the necked article
Data Source
AI summary
A turret head assembly for forming an article includes at least one smoothing roller. Each of the at least one smoothing roller is rotatably mounted on a respective at least one roller support member. The turret head assembly further includes an upper ring member and a lower ring member. The upper and lower ring members include respective apertures located in the centers thereof. The at least one roller support member extends between the upper ring member and the lower ring member. The turret head assembly further includes a turret head-assembly support member defining a turret-head axis. The turret-head-assembly member extends through the respective apertures in the upper and lower ring members.