Beverage Machine Assembly Using External Holding Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing methods for machines in the beverage industry, which involve assembling components within a rigid prefabricated frame, face challenges such as restricted workspace and time-consuming assembly processes due to the cube-like base frame, making it difficult to introduce complex assemblies and requiring most installations to be assembled within the frame.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves using external holding devices with support elements to position and align side walls, allowing central structural components to be installed and welded in a way that maintains a freely accessible workspace, enabling easier addition and connection of components, and utilizing laser or electron beam welding for efficient assembly and minimal material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid prefabricated frame is used to define machine geometries, then structural stability is improved, but workspace restriction increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine structure is divided into modular segments (side walls, central installations, end walls) that can be assembled sequentially. The holding device is segmented into multiple support elements that can be positioned independently, allowing workers to access different areas of the machine during assembly without being constrained by a rigid frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and the machine components. It provides temporary support and positioning during assembly, then is removed after welding, eliminating the constraint of a permanent rigid frame while maintaining structural stability during the critical assembly phase.
2Strength
If most installations are assembled within the base frame, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly time increases and labor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Central installations are positioned and pre-assembled on the holding device before the machine structure is closed. Support elements are installed in advance to hold components in correct positions, allowing welding and assembly operations to be performed from accessible locations outside the final machine envelope, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a cube-like base frame is used, then geometric definition is simplified, but adaptability for complex assemblies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device with its adjustable support elements provides a dynamic assembly framework that can adapt to various complex installation configurations. Unlike a fixed cube-like frame, the support elements can be positioned and adjusted to accommodate different geometric requirements of central installations, enabling versatile assembly while maintaining simple geometric definition through the basic holding device structure.
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
This method simplifies and accelerates the assembly process by maintaining a freely accessible workspace, allowing for sequential installation of components and efficient welding from outside the machine, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly while achieving a lightweight construction with minimal material usage.
Implementation Method 1
welding at least part of the central one built with the side surfaces, ideally using a laser or electron beam welding process
Implementation Method 2
welding at least part of the central one built with the side surfaces, ideally using a laser or electron beam welding process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a production method for machines, particularly machines for the beverage industry such as cleaning machines, pasteurization machines, shrink tunnels or the like, for the treatment of containers such as bottles, cans, jars, and the like, wherein the components of the machine are assembled from individual parts by welding processes and by releasable connections. A mounting fixture that is not part of the machine is provided, to which a first side wall is fastened, then a second, opposite side wall is positioned at a distance that is slightly greater than the distance between the side walls after complete assembly. In the next installation step, center built-in parts are installed between the side walls, wherein at least one of the side walls is provided with support elements by means of which a portion of the center built-ins are held and/or can be supported. Finally, the mounting devices are brought together, so that the machine is enclosed and can subsequently be welded together by means of laser or electron beam welding methods.