Multi-Axis Blow Mould Changing Robot for Rapid Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of changing blow molds in existing plastic container forming devices is time-consuming and requires manual intervention, hindering efficient conversion between different container types.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transport mechanism and a changing device featuring a gripping system that can move in multiple directions and pivot about multiple axes, allowing for automated and precise removal and replacement of blow molding devices, including the option to change complete or partial components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of blow molds is used, then operator control is maintained, but changeover time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service changeover where the robot autonomously removes spent blow molds and installs new ones without human intervention. The robot grips the blow mold support, transports it away, and replaces it with a fresh blow mold, making the system self-sufficient in mold replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated robotic system. The robot performs the mechanical tasks of gripping, lifting, transporting, and installing blow molds, substituting human labor with automated mechanical action to accelerate the changeover process.
2Productivity
If automated changing device is implemented, then changeover time decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed as a universal changing device capable of handling multiple blow mold types and configurations. It can grip different blow mold supports and perform various operations (removal, installation, transport) with a single multi-functional system, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs dynamic gripping and positioning capabilities to adapt to different blow mold geometries and weights. The gripping device can adjust its force and position dynamically during the changeover process, enabling flexible handling of varied mold types without requiring complex fixed mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pivot axes are added to gripping device, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device incorporates multiple pivot axes that enable motion in additional spatial dimensions. This allows the robot to approach and position blow molds from various angles and orientations, achieving precise positioning through multi-dimensional movement rather than complex single-axis mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for forming plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20) with a transport device (2) which transports the plastic preforms (10) along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device (2) has a movable station carrier (12) arranged at least indirectly on a stationary base carrier (6), on which a plurality of forming stations (8) are arranged, wherein these forming stations (8) each have blow molding devices (14) which each form cavities within which the plastic preforms (10) can be formed into the plastic containers and these blow molding devices are each arranged on blow molding carriers (16).According to the invention, the device (1) has an exchange device (40) which is suitable and intended to remove at least the blow molding devices from their blow mold carriers (16) and/or to arrange blow molding devices on the blow mold carriers (16), wherein this exchange device (40) has a gripping device (52) for gripping the blow molding device (14) wherein this gripping device (52) is movable in at least two different directions and pivotable about at least three different pivot axes (A1, A2...A6).