High rate ultrasonic sealer
Embodiments herein include a system for joining components. The system can include a rotating base platform, a plurality of receptacles mounted to the base platform, and a rotating sonotrode platform. A plurality of sonotrodes are mounted to the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode can correspond to a receptacle. Each sonotrode can move in a reciprocating motion between a release position distant from a corresponding receptacle and a compressing position proximal to the corresponding receptacle. The compressing position occurs at a first angular position of the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode is energized at the compressing position.
1. A system for sealing lids onto containers comprising:
a rotating platform;
a plurality of receptacles mounted to the platform;
a plurality of sonotrodes mounted to the platform, each sonotrode corresponding to a receptacle, each sonotrode comprising a displacement sensor to determine a position of each sonotrode relative to each corresponding receptacle;
wherein each sonotrode moves in a reciprocating motion between a release position distant from a corresponding receptacle and a compressing position proximal to the corresponding receptacle, the compressing position occurring at a first angular position of the platform; and
wherein each sonotrode is energized at the compressing position.
2. The system of claim 1 , each sonotrode configured to ultrasonically weld a container and a lid together at the compressing position, wherein ultrasonic welding occurs at a rate of 300 containers per minute to 600 containers per minute.
3. The system of claim 1 , each sonotrode comprising a feedback mechanism for determining a welding parameter.
4. The system of claim 1 , the platform comprising a slip ring for providing electrical communication between each sonotrode and a power supply.
5. The system of claim 1 , each receptacle comprising a clasp mechanism for receiving a container.
6. The system of claim 1 , each sonotrode configured to vibrate at a frequency of about 20 kHz to about 35 kHz when energized.
7. The system of claim 1 , each receptacle configured to receive a container at a second angular position of the platform.
8. The system of claim 7 , each receptacle configured to eject a container at a third angular position of the platform.
9. A method for sealing lids onto containers comprising:
disposing a container on a receptacle, the receptacle mounted to a rotatable platform;
rotating the rotatable platform, the rotatable platform comprising a sonotrode disposed adjacent to the receptacle;
moving the sonotrode in a reciprocating motion between a release position distant from the receptacle and a compressing position proximal to the receptacle, the compressing position occurring at a first angular positon of the rotatable platform;
energizing the sonotrode at the compressing position;
determining the position of the sonotrode relative to the receptacle using a displacement sensor.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein welding occurs at a rate of 300 containers per minute to 600 containers per minute.
11. The method of claim 9 , the rotatable platform comprising a slip ring for providing electrical communication between the sonotrode and a power supply.
12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the receptacle receiving a container at a second angular position of the rotatable platform.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising the receptacle ejecting a container at a third angular position of the rotatable platform.