Universal Closing Device for Multi-Type Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling and closing devices require downtime and conversion processes to adapt to different types of container closures, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination in clean room environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a closing mechanism that can process at least two different types of container closures without system conversion, featuring a treatment chamber and a movable closing device with separate attachments for each type, allowing for seamless switching between closure types without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is designed to process only one type of container closure, then the device structure can be simplified, but the device requires downtime and conversion processes to adapt to different types of container closures
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is designed with a universal structure that can process at least two different types of container closures (e.g., crown caps and screw caps) using the same basic device. The device includes a closing mechanism with an attachment that can be positioned in different transfer positions corresponding to different container closure feeds, allowing one device to perform multiple functions without requiring conversion processes.
2Productivity
If the closing device is designed to process multiple types of container closures, then downtime for conversion is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is segmented into modular components, including a closing mechanism and separate attachments for different container closure types. Each attachment can be independently positioned in transfer positions corresponding to different container closure feeds. This segmentation allows the device to switch between different container closure types by repositioning attachments rather than converting the entire system, maintaining continuous operation while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The attachment can be moved between different transfer positions corresponding to different container closure feeds, and the closing mechanism can adapt its position and configuration based on the type of container closure being processed. This dynamic capability enables the device to switch between different container closure types without downtime while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If operator intervention is required for system conversion, then conversion processes can be performed manually, but contamination risks increase in clean room environments
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to enable self-service operation for switching between different container closure types. The closing device can be repositioned and reconfigured automatically based on the required container closure type without requiring operator intervention. The system includes automated positioning mechanisms and control systems that facilitate self-service conversion, eliminating the need for manual operations in clean room environments and thereby preventing contamination while maintaining ease of conversion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for treating a container (120), preferably for filling a container (120) to be filled with a filling product and for closing the filled container (120) with a container closure (124), comprising a treatment chamber (2) for sealingly receiving the container (120) and a closing device (4) movable relative to the treatment chamber (2) for applying a container closure (124) to the container (120), wherein the closing device (4) is configured and designed to be able to process at least two different types of container closures (124).