Container Alignment Transport Device for Non-Circular Bottles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of non-circular plastic containers, such as those with elliptical cross-sections, poses challenges during labeling, filling, and transportation due to alignment issues, leading to problems like jamming, twisting, and reduced efficiency in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable transport devices equipped with clamp-like gripping elements and holding devices that interact to achieve favorable bottle orientation, allowing for precise alignment and rotation of containers, reducing the need for steep guide curves and improving handling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If containers with non-circular cross-sections are produced using special blow molding machines, then the container shape is achieved, but alignment problems occur during labeling and filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device performs preliminary alignment of containers with non-circular cross-sections before they reach labeling and filling machines. The device includes alignment elements that detect the orientation of the container and rotate it to the correct position, ensuring proper alignment for subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated transport device acts as an intermediary between the blow molding machine and the labeling/filling machines. This intermediate device corrects alignment issues that arise during container production, enabling smooth operation of downstream equipment without requiring modifications to the containers themselves.
2Speed
If steep guide curves are used for container transfer, then transfer speed is improved, but container twisting and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device uses dynamic, adjustable guide curves that can adapt to different container types and transfer conditions. The guide curves are designed to be gentler and more gradual, reducing mechanical stress on containers while maintaining efficient transfer speeds through optimized motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies transfer parameters such as guide curve geometry, transfer angle, and speed profiles to eliminate container twisting and jamming. By changing these parameters, the system achieves high-speed transfer without the harmful effects associated with steep, rigid guide curves.
3Productivity
If high production speeds are achieved, then productivity increases, but alignment precision and handling reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device incorporates sensors and detection systems that monitor container position and orientation in real-time. This feedback enables continuous adjustment of alignment parameters, ensuring high precision even at elevated production speeds. The system can detect and correct misalignment automatically, maintaining quality standards throughout high-speed operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for treating containers (10), comprising a first movable transport unit (2) for transporting the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), on which unit a plurality of clamp-like gripping elements (4) are arranged, wherein said gripping elements (4) can be switched between a closed state in which the gripping element (4) grips the container (10) and an open state in which the grip of the container (10) by the gripping element (4) is at least loosened. According to the invention, the transport unit (2) comprises a plurality of holding units (6) in addition to the gripping elements (4), which holding units can be brought into engagement with a mouth section of the container or which holding units support the bottom section of the container, wherein both a gripping element (4) and a holding unit (6) are assigned at least at intervals to at least one container (10) during the transport thereof by means of the device for the purpose of transporting said container.