Can Barrel Routing Layout for Continuous Plain Can Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing can body manufacturing systems face productivity issues due to the need to stop the manufacturing line when changing settings on the printing machine, which delays the production of plain cans.
Innovation Solution
A can body manufacturing system that includes a can barrel forming apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a branch conveyor with a flow path switching unit, allowing for the simultaneous production of printed and plain cans by routing can barrels to either the printing apparatus or a bypass conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printing machine setting is changed to print for another product, then the printing apparatus can produce different printed cans, but the manufacturing line must be stopped, resulting in lower productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing line is segmented into two independent paths: a printed can manufacturing section with the printing apparatus and a plain can manufacturing section with the bypass inlet conveyor. This segmentation allows each path to operate independently, so when the printing apparatus stops for setting changes, the plain can manufacturing section can continue operating without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch conveyor with flow path switching unit acts as an intermediary between the can barrel forming apparatus and the two manufacturing sections. It dynamically routes can barrels to either the printing apparatus or the bypass inlet conveyor based on production requirements, enabling flexible switching between printed and plain can production without stopping the entire line.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printing apparatus is used for printed cans, then printed cans with protective finishing varnish can be produced, but the process requires additional equipment and time
Solution Approach 1:
The can barrel forming apparatus is designed to be universal and can supply can barrels to both the printed can manufacturing section and the plain can manufacturing section. The branch conveyor with flow path switching capability provides multi-functionality by routing can barrels to different destinations based on the desired product type, allowing one forming apparatus to serve dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch conveyor incorporates a dynamic flow path switching unit that can change routing in real-time based on production demands. This dynamic capability allows the system to flexibly adjust between producing printed cans and plain cans without requiring separate dedicated forming apparatus for each product type.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A technical problem is to improve productivity of a manufacturing system. The problem is solved by a can body manufacturing system according to the present invention including a can barrel forming apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a branch conveyor, wherein the can barrel forming apparatus is an apparatus for forming can barrels, the printing apparatus is to perform printing on an outer surfaces of the can barrels and includes a printing apparatus inlet conveyor, the branch conveyor is arranged in a post-process of the can barrel forming apparatus and includes a flow path switching unit, a first branch of the branch conveyor is connected to the printing apparatus inlet conveyor connected to the printing apparatus and is connected to a printed can manufacturing section, a second branch of the branch conveyor is connected to a bypass inlet conveyor not passing through the printing apparatus and is connected to a plain can manufacturing section, and printed cans manufactured by the printed can manufacturing section and plain cans without being printed manufactured by the plain can manufacturing section are producible by switching the flow path switching unit.