Development of a mechanism for alternating the flipping of plastic cups
Project Goal
It is necessary to develop only the mechanism for flipping plastic cups "every other one" for an automatic production line.
The device must ensure the following sequence:
- 1st cup — without flipping (0°)
- 2nd cup — flip 180°
- 3rd — without flipping
- 4th — flip 180°
- and so on.
As a result, the output should produce the sequence:
0° → 180° → 0° → 180° → ...
What is already available
The cups move along the conveyor in a single row.
Before the mechanism, all cups have the same orientation (lid up).
Only the flipping unit needs to be developed.
Proposed Operating Principle
The following scheme is considered:
- A dividing screw synchronizes the flow of cups.
- All cups gradually rotate to the position of 90°.
- Then, the cam mechanism acts only on every second cup.
- Every second cup returns from the position of 90° back to 0°.
- The others continue rotating to 180°.
As a result, we get:
If the performer offers a simpler, more reliable, or more technological solution — we are ready to consider it.
Requirements
1. Develop a complete 3D model in SolidWorks
It is necessary to model:
- dividing screw;
- flipping mechanism;
- cams;
- guides;
- shafts;
- mountings;
- all necessary parts.
2. Perform kinematic verification
It is necessary to ensure that:
- the mechanism operates without jamming;
- there are no intersections of parts;
- the cups are flipped correctly;
- the mechanism is suitable for manufacturing.
3. Conduct Simulation / Motion Study
It is necessary to perform an animation of the mechanism's operation in SolidWorks Motion.
It should be visible:
- the movement of the cups;
- the rotation of parts;
- the sequence of flipping every second cup.
Work Result
The performer must provide:
- source files SolidWorks (*.SLDPRT, *.SLDASM);
- assembly;
- Motion Study;
- animation video;
- STEP file of the assembly;
- drawings of the main parts.