Variable-Angle Folding Rail for Inward Retaining Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices are inefficient in folding radially outward retaining rings inwardly on closure caps, particularly those made of PET, which are commonly used in containers like drinks bottles.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first transport device with a rotatable driver and a stationary folding rail that changes folding angles along a processing path, allowing the edge portion of the closure cap to be folded circumferentially and orthogonally to the axis of rotation, using a folding rail with multiple sections to gradually increase the folding angle efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cylinder is used to fold the retaining ring inwards (as in injection-moulded closure caps), then the folding process is efficient, but the retaining ring must be parallel to the axis of rotation and cannot protrude beyond the radius of the closure cap
Solution Approach 1:
The folding rail is divided into multiple sections (first folding rail section, second folding rail section, third folding rail section) with different folding angles. This segmentation allows the device to handle retaining rings at different radial positions by progressively folding them through sections with increasing folding angles, thus resolving the contradiction between folding efficiency and position flexibility.
2Device complexity
If the folding rail has a constant folding angle, then the device structure is simple, but radially outwardly projecting retaining rings cannot be efficiently folded inwards
Solution Approach 1:
The folding rail transitions from a static, constant-angle structure to a dynamic, multi-section structure where the folding angle varies along the processing path. The folding angle increases progressively from the first to the third folding rail section, enabling the device to efficiently fold radially outwardly projecting retaining rings while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Productivity
If the folding angle is increased gradually through multiple sections, then radially outward retaining rings can be folded efficiently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding process applies partial action by using three folding rail sections with progressively increasing folding angles rather than attempting to fold the entire retaining ring in a single step. This partial, staged approach achieves efficient folding of radially outwardly projecting rings while keeping the increase in device complexity manageable through a limited number of sections.
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 device enables efficient folding of radially outward edge portions into inward retaining rings, facilitating a robust and space-saving process suitable for high-throughput production, with minimal material stress and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
a stationary folding rail with a folding angle which changes along the processing path is arranged along the processing path in such a way that, during transport of a closure cap by the first transport device along the folding rail, the edge portion can be folded along the circumferential direction of the mantle of the closure cap
Data Source
AI summary
A device for folding an edge portion (72) along a circumferential direction of a mantle of a closure cap (70) for a container, for forming a retaining ring on the closure cap (70), comprises a first transport device for transporting the closure cap (70) along a transport path, which comprises a processing path, wherein the first transport device comprises a driver (60) rotatable about an axis of rotation for receiving a closure cap (70). A stationary folding rail (10; 50) with a folding angle that changes along the processing path is arranged along the processing path in such a way that during transport of a closure cap (70) by the first transport device along the folding rail (10; 50), the edge portion (72) can be folded along the circumferential direction of the mantle of the closure cap (70) in the direction of the axis of rotation about a folding axis that is orientated orthogonally to the axis of rotation and spaced apart from the axis of rotation.