Closed-Loop Blank Mold Cooling With Pyrometer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass container production processes rely on manual adjustment of blank mold cooling parameters, which are highly dependent on operator skill and diligence, leading to inconsistent parison thermal states and final container quality, without the benefit of on-line measurements or automatic adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop control system that measures blank mold temperatures using a non-contact pyrometer and adjusts coolant supply to maintain desired temperatures, integrating with the machine's timing control system to ensure consistent thermal states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of blank mold cooling parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and process consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor blank mold temperatures, and the control system automatically adjusts cooling air flow and timing parameters to maintain desired temperature profiles. This closed-loop feedback eliminates manual adjustment and ensures consistent parison thermal states across multiple cavities and over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment based on real-time temperature measurements, automatically modifying cooling parameters without operator intervention. The system monitors its own performance and corrects deviations autonomously, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing dependence on operator skill.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of cooling parameters is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and process consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback on blank mold temperatures, and the control system automatically adjusts cooling air flow and timing to maintain desired temperature profiles. This eliminates manual adjustment and ensures consistent parison thermal states across multiple cavities and over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of cooling parameters with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated functionality while significantly improving reliability and temperature control consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If on-line temperature measurement is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor blank mold temperatures, and the control system automatically adjusts cooling air flow and timing parameters to maintain desired temperature profiles. This closed-loop feedback eliminates manual adjustment and ensures consistent parison thermal states across multiple cavities and over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature sensors as intermediaries to indirectly measure mold temperature without direct contact with the high-temperature environment. These sensors convert thermal energy into electrical signals that the control system can process, enabling precise measurement and control while managing system complexity.
4Device complexity
If manual spot checks of mold temperature are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and process control quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature measurement throughout the blank mold cycle using multiple sensors positioned at critical locations. This continuous monitoring replaces manual spot checks, providing uninterrupted data on temperature variations and enabling real-time adjustments to maintain optimal parison thermal states.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor blank mold temperatures, and the control system automatically adjusts cooling air flow and timing parameters to maintain desired temperature profiles. This closed-loop feedback eliminates manual adjustment and ensures consistent parison thermal states across multiple cavities and over time.
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 system improves process yield and quality by automatically adjusting machine timing to maintain desired mold temperatures, reducing dependence on operator skill and ensuring consistent parison thermal states across multiple cavities.
Implementation Method 1
a heat measurement apparatus determines the surface temperature of at least one element of a blank mold
Implementation Method 2
coolant air is supplied to the cavities of the blank molds through valves
Implementation Method 3
coolant air flow through internal cooling passages of the blank mold halves
Data Source
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AI summary
A closed loop blank mold temperature control system and method for use in the operation of an I.S. machine are disclosed for automatically adjusting machine timing to maintain desired blank mold temperature/heat extraction. Mold temperatures are measured, and used to automatically control the supply of coolant air to the blank molds. The temperature of the internal surface of the halves of a blank mold is determined, and provides a resultant temperature measurement (114). A temperature input (118) indicates a desired setpoint temperature at which the blank mold should be maintained. A monitoring feedback system (120, 122) has as inputs the temperature input (118) and the temperature measurement (116) and provides an output to operate a controller (124). The controller provides a cooling duration output to operate a valve arrangement to deliver coolant to the blank mold halves in a manner directed to achieving the desired temperature.