Tube Transfer Device With Rotating Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube filling machines are slow due to the shell-like receptacle being occupied for a long time, requiring complex and expensive locking mechanisms to prevent tube advancement, which are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a holding device that grips the tube on its lateral surface and transports it while rotating about its longitudinal axis to the storage area, allowing for quick and easy transfer, with the option to pivot the tube 90° for optimal alignment, using suction cups for secure pickup and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shell-like receptacle is used to hold tubes at the staging area, then tubes can be securely positioned, but the device becomes slow because the receptacle is occupied for a long time and complex locking mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tube from the staging area using a transfer device with holding members that grip the tube laterally. This allows the tube to be removed quickly from the staging area without requiring the receptacle to remain occupied, thereby increasing transfer speed while maintaining secure positioning during the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device employs dynamic holding members that can be actuated to grip and release tubes on demand. The holding members are movable and can be positioned precisely to secure tubes during transfer, then released quickly to allow continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and fast transfer
2Reliability
If locking devices are installed to prevent tube advancement when the receptacle is not present, then tube positioning is controlled, but the construction becomes expensive and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the continuous supply of tubes in the endless row to automatically replenish the staging area. When one tube is transferred, the next tube is already in position or advances automatically, eliminating the need for complex locking devices to prevent premature advancement. The tube supply system serves itself by maintaining continuous availability
Solution Approach 2:
Tubes are pre-positioned in an endless row configuration before reaching the staging area. This preliminary arrangement ensures that tubes are already aligned and ready for transfer, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms to control their advancement. The tubes are prepared in advance in a simple, reliable manner
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 method significantly increases the speed and efficiency of tube transfer between staging and storage areas, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms and enhancing the durability of the transfer device.
Implementation Method 1
The holding device is preferably formed by a plurality of suction cups which are brought into contact with the outer surface of the tube, whereupon the tube is sucked in and securely picked up by applying a negative pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order transfer a tube in a tube filling machine between a supply point and a discharge point, the tube at the supply point is gripped on the outer surface thereof by means of a holding device and, with simultaneous rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof or an axis running parallel thereto, is transported by means of a transfer device to the discharge point and discharged there. A corresponding transfer device has a multi-element articulated arm which has at least a first arm element which is pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation and supports at least one holding element, indirectly or directly, such that the latter can rotate. The holding element carries at least one holding device, by means of which the tube can be picked up, and can be pivoted about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube or coinciding with said axis.