Blower Preform Mandrel Holder with Ball Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blow molding machines require laborious and time-consuming manual handling to change preform mandrels due to the need for high holding forces and complex coupling mechanisms, leading to lengthy changeover times, especially when producing different types of containers with varying mouth designs.
Innovation Solution
A user-friendly mandrel holder system with a ball lock mechanism and automatic or semi-automatic mandrel changer, featuring a release element that allows easy and quick disengagement of the clamping mechanism, enabling rapid and ergonomic handling, and an actuator-driven mandrel gripper for efficient preform mandrel exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a complex coupling mechanism with pins and guideways is used to generate high holding force, then the preform mandrel is securely held during conveying, but the changeover process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into two independent functional components: a clamping mechanism with balls and cam surfaces that generates holding force, and a separate release element that controls mandrel release. This segmentation allows the holding function to operate independently during conveying, while the release function can be activated quickly during changeover without interfering with the holding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A release element acts as an intermediary between the operator and the clamping mechanism. This release element transfers a small release force applied by the operator into the activation of the clamping mechanism's release function, enabling quick mandrel removal without requiring direct manipulation of the complex clamping components.
2Reliability
If a precise fit between preform mandrel and neck finish is used to ensure secure holding, then the mandrel is reliably held, but the mandrel cannot be easily removed or exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static precise fit to a dynamic system with controlled states. During normal operation, the balls engage with cam surfaces to provide secure holding. During changeover, the release element dynamically changes the engagement state by moving the balls out of their locking positions, allowing easy mandrel removal while maintaining reliable holding during conveying.
Solution Approach 2:
The release element is positioned and configured in advance to enable quick activation of the release function. The balls are pre-positioned in engagement with the cam surfaces, and the release element is ready to disengage them with minimal movement, allowing rapid transition from held to released state without requiring complex manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If manual handling and rotation of the preform mandrel is required for changeover, then the coupling can be secured, but the operation requires considerable skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the manual manipulation process and embodied in a dedicated release element. This release element can be actuated with simple linear or rotational movement, eliminating the need for operators to manually grasp, rotate, and manipulate the mandrel and its coupling components, thereby reducing skill requirements and operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring manual manipulation to secure the mandrel (rotation and pushing), the system is inverted so that the default state provides secure holding through the ball-cam mechanism, and release is achieved through simple activation of the release element. This inversion makes the changeover operation easier while maintaining coupling security during normal operation.
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
The solution significantly reduces changeover times by separating holding and release functions, allowing for secure and quick preform mandrel changes, even manually, and simplifies the process through the use of a ball lock mechanism and automatic/semi-automatic systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is also provided to provide frictional support for the positive locking
Implementation Method 2
The ball lock mechanism also has the advantage of allowing the preform mandrel to be inserted by simply plugging it in
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
A blow molding machine (M) for containers has a conveyor section (F) carrying mandrel holders (2) and preform mandrels (3) attached to the mandrel holders (2) by means of detachable couplings, each coupling having a mandrel clamping mechanism and an externally accessible release element (4) that is adjustable at least relative to the mandrel holder (2) for releasing the clamping mechanism. The mandrel clamping mechanism is designed with a ball detent (G). A mandrel changer (A) is arranged on the conveyor section (F) and actuates the release element (4).