Bottle-Blowing Valve Assembly With Low Dead-Volume Air Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for blowing or draw-blowing plastic material bottles are inefficient in utilizing pressurized air and have complex pneumatic diagrams, which can lead to reduced performance and increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a control block and blowing block that utilize a predetermined pressure profile, featuring multiple inlet and outlet openings connected to pressurized air sources, dispensing valves, and a solenoid control system to optimize air pressure usage and simplify the pneumatic system, allowing for efficient air distribution and reduced dead volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional pneumatic systems are used to drive valves in blowing machines, then the valves can be actuated, but the use of pressurized air is inefficient and the pneumatic diagram becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control block and blowing block into an integrated valve assembly where the pressurized air distribution system is merged with the blowing mechanism. The control block integrates multiple control functions (pre-blowing, blowing, and mold opening/closing) into a single unified structure that directly receives and distributes pressurized air, eliminating the need for separate pneumatic circuits and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple operations using a single pressurized air input. The control block simultaneously manages pre-blowing valves, main blowing valves, and mold actuation, while the blowing block handles both pre-blowing and main blowing operations. This universal design allows one component to replace multiple separate pneumatic systems.
2Productivity
If conventional valve assemblies are used, then the blowing operation can be performed, but the dead volume of valves is large and dimensions are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional blocks (control block and blowing block) with separate chambers for pre-blowing and main blowing operations. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing the dead volume in each chamber while maintaining the necessary volume for effective blowing operations. The segmented design also allows for more compact arrangement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a three-dimensional arrangement of chambers and passages within the control and blowing blocks, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to optimize space. The cylindrical arrangement of passages and chambers allows for efficient space utilization, reducing the overall footprint and dead volume compared to conventional linear or planar valve designs.
3Productivity
If conventional valve assemblies are used, then the blowing process can proceed, but the reactivity of the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control block is designed to execute pre-blowing operations before the main blowing phase, preparing the preform and mold in advance. The pre-blowing valves open first to create initial pressure, and only after this preliminary action is complete do the main blowing valves activate. This sequential preliminary action optimizes the blowing process efficiency and reduces overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow rapid adjustment of air pressure and flow rates during the blowing process. The solenoid valves and control block are designed for quick response times, enabling the system to adapt reactively to process requirements and maximize blowing speed and efficiency.
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 enables optimized use of pressurized air, reducing the dead volume of the valves, minimizing dimensions, and enhancing reactivity, while allowing for precise control of air pressure steps during the blowing process, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the blowing or draw-blowing operation.
Implementation Method 1
said dispensing valves being solenoid actuated
Implementation Method 2
introduce air therein at high pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve assembly for blowing or draw-blowing preforms made of polymer material, applicable to a machine suitable to transform said preforms into bottles or containers. In particular, the invention relates to a valve assembly (1) comprising a control block (2) and a blowing block (3), in which the blowing block (3) comprises an outer body (50) having a longitudinal axis, inside which a blowing cylinder ending at the bottom with a nozzle (58) suitable to be coupled with the neck of a container (C), is slidingly accommodated, and wherein the control block (2) receives pressurized air from at least one pressurized air source and sends it to said blowing block (3) according to a predetermined pressure profile dependent on the selected blowing cycle, in which the control block (2) comprises a plurality of valves for dispensing pressurized air at different pressures, and an air exhaust valve, characterized in that said valves are driven by pressurized air at a pressure between 15 and 40 bar.