Adjustable Machine Guard Opening for Modular Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container processing machines face challenges in adapting the machine protective opening to various standard sizes of treatment modules, requiring frequent adjustments and additional cladding pieces, which complicates the docking and undocking process and affects occupational safety.
Innovation Solution
A centering and docking unit with an adjustable holding device allows for flexible width adjustment of the machine protective opening, using telescopic units and rod-like holding means to accommodate different module sizes, and a locking device with a safety switch for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine protective opening is designed for the maximum width treatment module, then the largest treatment modules can be accommodated, but smaller treatment modules require additional wall pieces and complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The machine guard structure incorporates movable wall elements that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions. The holding device with telescopic units allows the wall elements to move horizontally, enabling the machine protective opening width to be adapted to different treatment module sizes without requiring a completely different guard structure for each module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the machine protective opening is changed by adjusting the position of wall elements along the transport direction. The holding device enables continuous or discrete adjustment of the opening width parameter, allowing the same machine guard to accommodate treatment modules of various standard sizes by simply changing the position parameter of the wall elements.
2Reliability
If additional wall pieces are added to reduce the machine protection opening width for narrower treatment modules, then safety is maintained, but the docking and undocking process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically adding wall pieces, the system uses dynamically adjustable wall elements controlled by the holding device. The telescopic units allow smooth movement of wall elements to the required position, and the locking device secures them in place, maintaining safety while simplifying the adaptation process compared to attaching and detaching multiple discrete wall pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves multiple functions: it positions wall elements to create the machine protective opening, adjusts the opening width to match different treatment module sizes, and locks the wall elements in place. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and additional wall pieces, simplifying the overall operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine guard is detached and reattached when converting treatment modules, then the protective opening can be adapted, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall elements and holding device are pre-configured on the machine guard structure, ready for adjustment. When a treatment module conversion is needed, only the position of the wall elements needs to be changed using the telescopic units, rather than detaching and reattaching the entire machine guard. This preliminary preparation of the adjustment mechanism significantly reduces conversion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall elements with telescopic adjustment allow rapid reconfiguration of the machine protective opening without complete disassembly. The dynamic adjustment mechanism enables quick adaptation to different treatment module widths, maintaining productivity during conversions compared to static guard structures that require full detachment.
4Device complexity
If a fixed machine protection opening is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate treatment modules of various standard sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The machine guard structure maintains overall simplicity while incorporating dynamic adjustment capability through the holding device with telescopic units. The wall elements can move along the transport direction to adjust the opening width, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure. The locking device ensures the simple secured state when adjustment is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine guard is segmented into fixed portions and movable wall elements. The fixed portions maintain structural simplicity, while the movable wall elements controlled by the holding device provide the necessary adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to combine simplicity with flexibility, accommodating various treatment module sizes without overcomplicating the entire structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container handling machine for processing packaging materials (2), in particular in the form of bottles or similar containers, comprising a transport device (3), by means of which the packaging materials (2) are movable along a transport section (TS), past at least one handling module (9, 9', 9"), which is interchangeably provided at at least one working position (10), wherein the respective interchangeable handling module (9, 9', 9") can be coupled, fixed in the working position (10), to a machine frame (11) via at least one centering and docking unit (12), wherein the transport device (3) is delimited, at least in sections, along the transport section (TS) by a machine guard (20) comprising at least a plurality of wall elements (21) which forms at least one machine guard opening (22), having a specified width (VB), between at least two wall elements (21), through which the at least one interchangeable handling module (9, 9', 9"), in the working position (10), fixed in position by the centering and docking unit (12), protrudes at least one module section (9.1) into a chamber (20.1) delimited by the machine guard (20), characterized in that the at least one centering and docking unit (12) has an adjustable holding device (30) for receiving the at least two wall elements (21), via which the width (B) of the machine guard opening (22) is adjustable.