Adjustable Guide Rail Preform Conveyor with Gas Flow Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transporting preforms to blow molding machines are not maintenance-friendly and lack adaptability to different types of preforms, leading to potential faults and inefficiencies in the transportation process.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a horizontal conveyor with adjustable guide rails and a securing element above it, utilizing a gas flow generated by transport nozzles below and above the guide rails to transport preforms efficiently, along with a roller sorter and sensor devices for alignment and quality control, ensuring uninterrupted feeding to processing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional conveyor devices are used to transport preforms, then preform transportation is achieved, but the devices are not maintenance-friendly and lack adaptability to different preform types
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are made adjustable in position and distance, allowing the conveyor to adapt to different preform sizes and types. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to handle various preform configurations without requiring complex replacement of components, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor device is designed with universal features that allow it to handle multiple types of preforms using the same basic structure. The adjustable guide rails and securing elements can be reconfigured for different preform types, eliminating the need for specialized devices for each preform type and simplifying maintenance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed guide rails are used, then device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different preform sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are designed to be adjustable in position and spacing, allowing operators to configure them for different preform sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to various preform dimensions while adding only minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If preforms are transported without securing elements, then the device is simpler, but preforms may be unintentionally discharged
Solution Approach 1:
Securing elements are introduced as intermediary components between the guide rails and preforms. These elements act as mediators that prevent unintentional discharge of preforms while adding minimal structural complexity to the device.
4Productivity
If conventional transport methods are used, then basic transportation is achieved, but gaps between preforms cause interruptions in feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system is designed to provide continuous acceleration of preforms, eliminating gaps and interruptions in the feeding process. The horizontal conveyor maintains constant motion and acceleration, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of preforms to the processing machine and maximizing productivity.
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 solution provides a maintenance-friendly, fault-resistant system capable of adapting to various preform sizes and types, ensuring continuous and efficient transportation by reducing gaps between preforms and enhancing acceleration through the gas flow, thus ensuring uninterrupted feeding to further processing machines.
Implementation Method 1
The preforms are transported via a gas flow generated by the horizontal conveyor
Implementation Method 2
enhancing acceleration through the gas flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (9) for transporting preforms (1), comprising at least one horizontal conveyor (30) for transporting the preforms (1), is disclosed. The preforms (1) are transported by a gas flow generated by the horizontal conveyor (30), which transports the preforms (1) into a further processing machine (63). The horizontal conveyor (30) has two spaced-apart, opposing guide rails (22) for guiding the preforms (1). The distance between the guide rails (22) is variably adjustable.