Blow Moulding Machine Changing Robot for Automatic Mold Swap

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing blow molding machines require a lengthy and operator-dependent process for changing blow molds to produce different types of plastic containers, which hampers efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a changing device, preferably a robot, that interacts with control devices to facilitate fully automatic blow mold changes by using the same movements as the blow molding process, allowing for the simultaneous removal and installation of blow molds without human intervention, and is designed to work within the machine's framework for seamless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual removal and replacement of individual blow molding units is used, then the machine can be changed to produce different containers, but the changeover process takes a relatively long time and requires an operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce different container typesVSAvoidchangeover time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blow molding unit is divided into multiple separate molds (e.g., first mold, second mold, third mold) that can be independently handled and replaced. This segmentation allows the changing robot to efficiently manage and swap individual mold components, reducing overall changeover time while maintaining versatility in producing different container types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The changing robot performs the mold replacement operation autonomously without requiring human operators. The robot automatically removes spent molds and installs new molds based on production requirements, enabling the machine to adapt to different container types while eliminating manual intervention and reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual removal and replacement of individual blow molding units is used, then the machine can be changed to produce different containers, but the process requires an operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce different container typesVSAvoidautomation level of changeover process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of mold replacement by human operators is substituted with an automated robotic system. The changing robot uses mechanical arms and gripping mechanisms to handle molds, replacing the need for operator intervention and increasing the extent of automation in the changeover process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a changing robot is integrated into the machine, then the changeover process becomes fully automatic and faster, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechangeover speed and automationVSAvoidcomplexity of changing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The changing robot is designed to handle multiple mold types and perform various operations including removal, installation, and positioning. This multi-functionality allows a single robotic system to manage different container production requirements, increasing productivity while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The changing robot acts as an intermediary between the control system and the molds. It receives commands from the control system and executes mold replacement operations, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a dedicated intermediate component that manages the complexity of automated mold handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3698940B1Blow-moulding machine with changing robot and method for the operation of same

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 KRONES AG

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AI summary

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 a changeover 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 the changeover device (40) has a first control device (22) for controlling a removal movement of the blow molding devices and/or an arrangement movement for arranging the blow molding device on the blow mold carriers (16) and the device has a second control device (42) for controlling a blow molding process, wherein the first control device (22) and the second control device (42) preferably cooperate at least temporarily.