Spray Pump Sorting Machine Using Rotating Disc and Air Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump sorting machines struggle with flexibility and maintenance due to their inflexibility in adapting to various pump sizes and the need for ladders to access them.

Innovation Solution

A pump sorting machine with a rotating disc and pressurized air system that allows for flexible sorting and orientation of pumps, reducing the need for complex adjustments and facilitating easy maintenance by keeping components at the same level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sorting machine is placed at a greater height than the conveyor surface to implement sorting operations, then the sorting function can be achieved, but the machine becomes difficult to maintain requiring the use of ladders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting functionVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting machine is positioned at the same height level as the conveyor surface, eliminating the need for ladders or elevated platforms. This equipotential positioning allows operators to easily access and maintain the sorting mechanism while it remains functional for sorting pumps onto the conveyor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Productivity

If a sorting machine is designed with fixed components to achieve sorting, then the sorting operation can be performed, but the machine has poor flexibility and is difficult to adapt to various pump formats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting operationVSAvoidadaptation to pump formats
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting machine incorporates movable and adjustable components that can be repositioned to accommodate different pump sizes and formats. The sorting mechanism includes adjustable guides and receptacles that can be dynamically reconfigured, allowing the same machine to handle various pump types without requiring complete redesign or complex tooling changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a sorting machine with complex structure is used to sort pumps, then the sorting function is achieved, but the machine is difficult to manufacture and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting functionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting machine is divided into simple, modular components including separate feeding mechanisms, sorting elements, and discharge sections. Each component is designed as an independent unit that can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the complete sorting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 machine achieves 80% higher productivity than current systems, with improved flexibility and reduced maintenance needs, allowing for efficient sorting and capping of pumps without the requirement for ladders.

Implementation Method 1

A pump sorting machine with a rotating disc and pressurized air system that allows for flexible sorting and orientation of pumps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized air: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4219354B1Spray container pump sorting machine
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 WEIGHTPACK
  • EP4219354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4219354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4219354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine for sorting spray container pumps to be fed to a machine for closing said containers. In particular, the invention relates to a sorting machine (1) for selecting and sorting pumps (P) for spray containers, comprising a feeder (2) of pumps (P), which feeds the pumps to a sorting member (3), which in turn supplies the sorted pumps (P) to a conveyor (4), characterized in that the sorting member (3) comprises a casing (5) open at the top and comprising a rotating disc (6) on the bottom having a peripheral edge (6a), wherein an annular spacing (11) which forms a sorting seat of the pumps (P) is placed between the rotating disc (6) and the casing (5).