Suction-Based Cap Transfer Wheel for Compression Moulding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for removing objects from forming devices, such as caps from compression moulding, face issues like cap bouncing and obstruction, limited handling of non-flat surfaces, complex structures, and inability to process small axial dimension objects, leading to reduced productivity and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of a transferring wheel with a suction device that adheres caps to a ring and guides them through a path using suction, eliminating bouncing and allowing for handling of complex shapes and small dimensions without the need for complex mechanical parts, thereby improving productivity and simplifying the apparatus structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a star-disc with arms and side guides is used to direct caps towards the exit area, then caps can be guided along a path, but caps bounce and arrange themselves in undesired positions causing obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical star-disc and side guides system with a suction-based conveying system. A suction device creates a negative pressure field that holds caps against a conveying surface, eliminating the mechanical contact and guiding structures that caused bouncing and positioning problems. The caps are transported through a suction path without mechanical intervention, preventing obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic suction to convey caps from the mould to the exit area. A suction device generates negative pressure that adheres caps to a conveying surface, allowing them to be transported smoothly without mechanical guides. This pneumatic system eliminates the bouncing and positioning issues associated with mechanical star-discs and side guides.
2Ease of operation
If a star-disc and side guides are used to handle caps, then caps can be directed towards exit area, but the structure becomes complicated with many mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical star-disc and side guides by introducing a suction-based conveying system. The suction device with a conveying surface replaces multiple mechanical components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to direct caps towards the exit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary mechanical components (star-disc arms, side guides) from the system. By using suction alone to convey and direct caps, the patent eliminates these extraneous mechanical parts, resulting in a simpler apparatus with fewer moving components that require precision machining and assembly.
3Productivity
If a star-disc acts on the side surface of caps, then caps can be moved, but small axial dimension caps cause collision with protruding mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical star-disc action on cap side surfaces with a suction-based conveying system. The suction device holds caps against a conveying surface through negative pressure, allowing caps of various sizes including small axial dimension caps to be moved without collision. The suction path is designed to accommodate different cap dimensions without requiring mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanism of cap transport from mechanical contact (star-disc arms pushing side surfaces) to pneumatic adhesion (suction holding caps against a surface). This parameter change in the conveying mechanism allows the system to handle caps with small axial dimensions that would otherwise collide with protruding mechanical parts, expanding the range of acceptable cap sizes.
4Productivity
If caps fall on a circular plate under gravity, then caps are transferred to the carousel, but caps bounce and create piles exerting anomalous stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a suction device to hold caps against a conveying surface during transfer, preventing them from bouncing when deposited on the carousel. The negative pressure field maintains cap position throughout the transfer process, eliminating the bouncing and piling problems that occur with gravity-based transfer and reducing anomalous stresses on mechanical components.
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
This solution ensures stable cap positioning, reduces obstruction risks, and allows for efficient handling of caps with non-flat surfaces and small dimensions, enhancing productivity and reducing maintenance needs by eliminating the need for complex mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a transferring wheel with a suction device that adheres caps to a ring and guides them through a path using suction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a forming device for forming objects, a moving arrangement arranged for moving said objects along a path directed from said forming device towards an exit area, passage arrangement for an operating fluid, said passage arrangement being arranged for allowing said objects to be moved towards said exit area at least in a preset portion of said path. A method comprises forming objects, moving said objects along a path directed towards an exit area, and acting on said objects with an operating fluid at least in a preset portion of said path, so as to allow said objects to be moved towards said exit area.