Leveling Burner Head Actuator for Glass Mold Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional burner head actuators for glassware forming machines are complex, heavy, difficult to manufacture and assemble, and hinder easy access for servicing, while also risking misdirection of flames due to rotation.
Innovation Solution
A burner head actuator with a base mount, guide post, gearbox, and servomotor system that maintains the burner head in a level position through a gear train mechanism, allowing easy movement and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuators rotate the burner head during movement, then the burner head can be moved into and out of the lubricating position, but the flame may be misdirected towards components within the forming machine
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a dynamic leveling mechanism that actively maintains the burner head in a horizontal orientation during movement. The system uses a combination of rotational joints and leveling arms with adjustable stops to ensure the burner head remains level regardless of the arm's position, preventing flame misdirection while enabling full range of motion for lubrication operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuators incorporate complex mechanisms to maneuver the burner head in various directions, then the burner head can cycle into and out of the lubrication position and vary height for different glassware sizes, but the mechanisms become relatively heavy and difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into modular functional segments: a base support structure, a telescoping arm mechanism for radial movement, a height adjustment subsystem with independent control, and a burner head mounting assembly. Each module can be manufactured, assembled, and serviced independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full positioning capability for different glassware sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator uses dynamic, adjustable mechanisms rather than fixed complex linkages. The height adjustment system employs movable stops and adjustable arms that can be repositioned for different glassware sizes, replacing the need for complex fixed mechanisms. This dynamic approach reduces structural complexity while preserving adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuators use complex mechanisms to maneuver the burner head, then the burner head can be positioned in various locations, but it becomes difficult to service the burner head and supporting components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a segmented, modular architecture where the burner head assembly, arm mechanisms, and support structures are separated into distinct modules connected by standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the burner head and supporting components to be accessed, removed, and serviced independently without disassembling the entire system, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining full positioning capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuators are designed with complex mechanisms, then the burner head can be maneuvered in various directions, but the actuator becomes relatively heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be distributed along the movement path rather than concentrated in a single heavy structure. This modular segmentation reduces overall weight while maintaining the capability to maneuver the burner head in various directions for different glassware sizes
Data Source
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AI summary
A burner head actuator (10) for lubricating glassware molds of a glassware forming machine includes a base mount (14) and a guide post (16) carried by the mount. A gearbox housing (54) carried on the guide post carries a gear train (58) including drive and driven gears (82, 84). A servomotor (22) is coupled to the gearbox. A burner head arm (26) is carried by the gearbox housing and coupled to the driven gear for rotation relative to the gearbox housing about an arm axis (91). The arm includes a burner head leveling gear train (94) including a drive sprocket (108) direct-driven by the driven gear about the arm axis and a driven sprocket (110) driven by the drive sprocket via a chain (114). The servomotor rotates the gearbox drive gear, thereby rotating the gearbox driven gear and burner head arm, and thereby rotating the leveling gear train so that the burner head remains level as the arm is rotated about the arm axis.