Traversable Blank Mold Loading for Uniform Glass Gob Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass container manufacturing processes using gob feeders result in non-uniform temperature distribution of glass gobs due to messy and complex delivery equipment, leading to uneven wall thicknesses and the need for thicker containers to compensate for variations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for directly loading glass gobs into blank molds without intervening delivery equipment, utilizing a traversable blank side and mold carriage to align and translate blank molds with the gob loading axis, and employing sensors and controllers for precise gob loading, reducing surface contact and temperature variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional delivery equipment is used to transport glass gobs from the gob feeder, then the gobs can be delivered to the blank molds, but the temperature distribution of the glass gobs becomes non-uniform due to surface contact with messy and complex delivery equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex delivery equipment (scoops, troughs, deflectors) from the system entirely. Instead, glass gobs are delivered directly from the gob feeder to the blank molds through a simplified path, eliminating the source of temperature non-uniformity caused by surface contact with messy delivery equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having the delivery equipment actively transport the gobs through a complex mechanism, the system inverts the approach by allowing gobs to fall freely under gravity directly into the molds, with the molds moving to meet the gobs rather than the gobs being maneuvered through complex equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional delivery equipment with surface contact is used, then glass gobs can be transported, but wall thickness uniformity deteriorates due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful delivery equipment from the system, allowing gobs to travel through air without surface contact. This eliminates the thermal effects from contact with delivery equipment surfaces, resulting in more uniform temperature distribution and consequently more uniform wall thickness in the finished containers.
3Productivity
If complex delivery equipment is used, then glass gobs can be delivered to multiple blank molds, but the system requires more lubricants and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex delivery equipment that requires lubricants and maintenance. The simplified system where gobs fall directly into molds eliminates mechanical components subject to wear and contamination, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining continuous production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows glass gobs to self-deliver through gravity directly into the molds without requiring mechanical delivery equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for lubricated moving parts and complex mechanisms, reducing maintenance needs while preserving productivity.
4Measurement precision
If traversable blank sides are moved to align with the gob loading axis, then precise gob loading is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the gob feeder or using complex positioning mechanisms to align gobs with molds, the patent inverts the approach by moving the blank molds (on traversable carriages) to align with the stationary gob loading axis. This achieves precise positioning while simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Achieves uniform temperature distribution and more precise gob loading, enabling the production of thinner-walled, lighter-weight glass containers with reduced operator intervention and autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
producing falling glass gobs from a gob feeder
Data Source
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AI summary
A glass forming individual section machine (14) includes a machine frame (20) having a glass gob loading axis (Z'), a traversable blank side (24), including a blank mold (14a) configured to form a glass gob (G) into a parison and having a blank mold vertical axis (V1), and a mold carriage (26) movably carried on the machine frame and coupled to the traversable blank side to linearly translate the traversable blank side toward the glass gob loading axis to align the blank mold vertical axis with the glass gob loading axis and to linearly translate the traversable blank side away from the glass gob loading axis. A related method of loading a blank mold of an individual section machine is also disclosed.