Container Coating Bypass Transport for Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating systems for containers do not allow for maintenance during production operations, as they require containers to be coated, making it difficult to switch off the coating process without interrupting production.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first transport device that can be switched off to interrupt container supply to a treatment station, and a second linear transport device that allows containers to be transported from the inlet to the outlet without being coated, enabling maintenance and bypassing the coating process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the first transport device is switched off to interrupt container supply for maintenance, then the coating system can be maintained, but production is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance of coating systemVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is divided into two independent transport devices: a first transport device that supplies containers to the treatment station, and a second transport device that provides an alternative bypass path. This segmentation allows one transport path to be maintained while the other undergoes maintenance, resolving the contradiction between maintenance needs and production continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second transport device acts as an intermediary bypass path that mediates between the inlet and outlet when the first transport device is shut down for maintenance. This intermediary path ensures that production can continue without interruption even when the coating system is being maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the coating station is shut down for maintenance, then maintenance can be performed, but containers cannot be coated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance of treatment stationVSAvoidflexibility of production process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal coating mode where containers are processed through the treatment station, and bypass mode where containers are transported directly from inlet to outlet. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain flexibility in production processes while enabling maintenance of the treatment station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second transport device provides a universal bypass capability that serves multiple functions: it allows maintenance of the treatment station, enables production continuity, and provides flexibility for different production scenarios. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintenance needs and process adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the first transport device operates continuously to supply containers, then production efficiency is maintained, but maintenance cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous container supplyVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The transport function is segmented into two independent devices, allowing the first transport device to maintain continuous container supply to the treatment station while the second transport device provides maintenance access. This segmentation enables both continuous production and maintenance accessibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables continuous production and easy maintenance of coating systems by allowing containers to be transported without being coated, ensuring that rotating carriers can be stopped and maintenance can be performed without interrupting the production flow.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vacuum device for generating a vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least one treatment station for coating containers with plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP3798193B1Device for coating containers with bypass and method for operating such a device

Publication Date: 2023.08.16 KRONES AG

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AI summary

Device (1) for coating containers (10) with an inlet (E) at which containers (10) are transferred to the device and an outlet (A) at which the containers (10) leave the device, with at least one vacuum device for generating a vacuum, with at least one treatment station (8) for coating containers (10) with a plasma, wherein the treatment station (8) is in fluid communication with the vacuum device and wherein the treatment station (8) has at least one treatment unit (800) that can be inserted into a container (10), wherein the device (1) has a first (2) and a second (200) transport unit for transporting containers (10), wherein the first transport unit (2) feeds the containers at least indirectly to a treatment station (8), and wherein the first transport unit (2) can be switched off at least temporarily.so that the supply of containers (10) to the treatment station (8) is interrupted, and the second transport device (200) is at least partially linear and is suitable for transporting the containers (10) from the inlet (E) to the outlet (A) even when the first transport device (2) is switched off.