Bernoulli Pneumatic Grip for Contactless Preform Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grip devices for plastic preforms struggle with handling non-standardized shape structures, particularly those with large mouths, as they often require direct contact and are not efficient for preforms of varying diameters and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A grip device utilizing an air supply conduit and nozzles to create a partial vacuum at the radial flaring of the preform, allowing it to be supported without contact, using an annular 'Bernoulli' sucker mechanism and air delivery ports for efficient engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grip clamps or grippers are used to engage preforms, then preforms with standardized shapes can be handled, but preforms with non-standardized shape structures (especially large mouths) cannot be reliably gripped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based gripping systems (clamps and grippers) with a pneumatic field-based holding system. Compressed air flows through nozzles to create a Bernoulli effect that generates a pressure difference, holding the preform without mechanical contact. This allows the system to adapt to various preform shapes and sizes while maintaining reliable holding, as the pneumatic field can be adjusted by controlling air pressure and flow rather than relying on fixed mechanical geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses compressed air delivered through nozzles to create a pneumatic field that interacts with the preform. The air flow generates a Bernoulli effect that creates a low-pressure zone between the nozzle and preform surface, producing a holding force that adapts to different preform geometries. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for mechanical contact, enabling reliable handling of preforms with non-standardized shapes and large mouths.
2Productivity
If mechanical contact grip devices are used, then preforms can be securely held, but contact-related issues occur and handling efficiency decreases for varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between the gripping device and preform by substituting it with a pneumatic field. Compressed air delivered through nozzles creates a Bernoulli effect that generates a holding force without physical contact. This contactless approach prevents contact-related damage to preforms while maintaining secure holding, and the pneumatic field can be adjusted to accommodate varying preform diameters and shapes, thereby improving handling efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grip devices are designed for specific preform shapes, then reliable gripping is achieved for those shapes, but the device complexity increases to handle multiple shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal gripping system using compressed air nozzles that can handle various preform shapes and sizes with a single device configuration. The pneumatic field generated by the nozzles adapts to different preform geometries through pressure and flow adjustments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized gripping devices. This multi-functional approach maintains device simplicity while achieving high adaptability across different preform types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves adaptability to various preform shapes and sizes by changing pneumatic parameters (air pressure, flow rate, nozzle positioning) rather than modifying the physical structure of the gripping device. The Bernoulli effect allows the same nozzle configuration to hold different preform types by adjusting air flow parameters, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving high versatility.
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
Enables reliable and efficient support and movement of preforms with different shapes and sizes, reducing contact-related issues and improving handling efficiency, especially in applications like conveyors and conditioning ovens.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an air supply conduit and nozzles to create a partial vacuum at the radial flaring of the preform, allowing it to be supported without contact, using an annular 'Bernoulli' sucker mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A grip device (1) for the support and movement of preforms (50) which extends along a longitudinal axis (100) and is of the type provided with an access port (51) which forms, at a rim (51a), an annular radial flaring (52) which lies on a surface of arrangement that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (100); the grip device (1) comprises a supporting element (2) which is functionally associated with an air supply conduit (3) and is connected to at least one air exit nozzle (5) which is adapted to generate at least one respective air flow which is designed to arrange itself parallel to at least one portion of the radial flaring (52) of a preform (50) to be held in order to enable the preform (50) to be supported without contact.