Vacuum Chuck Impeller Design for Lid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealant liner applicators for metal can and jar lids are costly, complex, and require frequent maintenance, with difficulties in handling different lid sizes due to the need for frequent replacement or adjustment of mechanical chucks.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum chuck with an impeller and involute design, capable of holding lids of varying diameters using a vacuum created by spinning the impeller at high speeds, integrated into a sealant liner applicator for efficient and long-lasting operation, allowing for speeds of 100 to 3000 lids per minute and adaptable to different lid sizes from 2 to 7 inches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical chucks are used to hold lids, then lids can be held securely, but maintenance frequency increases and operational life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical chuck system with a vacuum-based holding system. The vacuum chuck uses atmospheric pressure differential to hold lids securely without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and tear associated with mechanical components. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by extending operational life and reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining secure lid holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles through the vacuum chuck mechanism that uses vacuum pressure to hold lids. The system creates a pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and atmospheric pressure to securely hold lids of various sizes. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical gripping mechanisms, thereby reducing maintenance needs and extending operational life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical chucks are used for different lid sizes, then lids can be held, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum chuck is designed with a universal holding surface that can accommodate lids of various diameters (2 to 7 inches) without requiring different chuck mechanisms. The vacuum distribution system uniformly applies holding force across the entire chuck surface, allowing a single chuck design to handle multiple lid sizes. This universality eliminates the complexity of replacing or adjusting mechanical chucks for different lid dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum chuck system dynamically adapts to different lid sizes through the flexible vacuum distribution network. When a lid is placed on the chuck, the vacuum system automatically adjusts the pressure distribution to conform to the lid's dimensions, providing secure holding without mechanical adjustment. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the overall device structure compared to fixed mechanical chuck systems.
3Productivity
If high-speed lid handling is implemented, then productivity increases, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical gripping and positioning systems with vacuum-based holding, the invention eliminates the wear and friction that occur at high speeds. The vacuum chuck has no moving contact parts that wear down during high-speed operation, allowing the system to maintain productivity levels of 100-3000 lids per minute without increased maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force to vacuum pressure. This parameter change allows for high-speed operation because vacuum pressure can be rapidly applied and released without the inertia and mechanical stress associated with mechanical systems. The vacuum field responds instantaneously to control signals, enabling high productivity while maintaining reliability.
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 vacuum chuck significantly reduces maintenance needs, extends operational life to over a year, and allows for seamless handling of different lid sizes, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs compared to traditional mechanical chucks.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum chuck includes an impeller, with spiral vanes, for creating a vacuum. The impeller may be mounted on top of an involute. A top portion of the impeller may be adapted for receiving the can lid and held thereon using the vacuum produced when the impeller and the involute are spun at high speeds
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum chuck (12) adapted for mounting on a lower turret assembly (44). The lower turret assembly is part a sealant liner applicator (36). The sealant liner applicator includes an upper turret assembly (38) and a sealant gun (40), under computer control. The sealant gun is used for applying a sealant around a periphery of an inside of a can or jar lid (10). The vacuum chuck includes an anular-shaped impeller (14), with spiral vanes (20), for creating vacuum air (24). The impeller is mounted on top of an involute (16). A top portion of the impeller is adapted for receiving the can lid and held thereon using the vacuum air produced when the impeller and the involute are spun at high speeds, in a range of 1000 to 4000 rpm, on a lower turret assembly.