Testing Lid With Indicator Pins for Can Closer Stroke Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In beverage can filling processes, the stroke of holding plates in can closing devices must be precisely adjusted to prevent can lid damage and ensure proper closure, but existing methods require direct measurement, leading to machine downtime and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A testing lid with displaceable pins is used to assess the stroke of holding plates during operation, allowing for real-time evaluation of the stroke without interrupting the process by simulating the crimping action on the can edge and inspecting the pins post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of holding plate displacement is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing lid with testing pins is prepared in advance and inserted into the lid feed path before production. The pins are positioned to be displaced by the holding plate during normal operation, enabling continuous measurement without stopping the machine. This preliminary setup allows stroke verification to occur during production rather than requiring separate measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Testing pins serve as intermediary elements between the holding plate and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring the holding plate displacement (which would require machine shutdown), the pins are displaced by the holding plate and their positions indicate the stroke magnitude. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect measurement during continuous operation.
2Reliability
If holding plate stroke is increased to ensure proper can and lid fixation, then reliability of closure is improved, but risk of lid bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing pins provide immediate visual feedback about the holding plate stroke magnitude. By observing the position of the pins after the closing operation, operators can determine whether the stroke is too small (pins not displaced), too large (pins completely pushed in indicating lid bending), or correct (partial displacement). This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment to optimize the stroke setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (requiring machine shutdown and direct displacement measurement) with a simple mechanical indicator system using testing pins. The pins transform the mechanical action of the holding plate into visible positional changes that indicate stroke adequacy without requiring sophisticated measurement equipment or production interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a testing lid for testing the stroke of a holding plate of a closure head of a can closing device for cans, in particular beverage cans, the testing lid comprising: an edge portion provided for positioning onto a can edge, in particular for additional crimping with the can edge; and an inner portion, in which one or a plurality of testing pins are arranged in a force-fitting manner, the testing pins being displaceable by the holding plate in the direction of stroke while a stroke of the holding plate is taking place. The invention additionally relates to a method of testing the stroke of a holding plate of a closure head of a can closing device for cans making use of the testing lid according to the present invention.