Container Exchange Mechanism for Electrical Treatment Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-throughput applications, the process duration for electrical treatment of containers with multiple reaction chambers is prolonged due to waiting times and service times, as robots must wait to exchange containers during treatment, reducing overall throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow continuous processing by swapping containers during electrical treatment, where one container is treated while another is prepared or post-processed, using a turntable or linear movement to exchange positions, thereby reducing waiting and service times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot exchanges containers sequentially during electrical treatment, then container treatment is completed, but process duration is prolonged due to waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The robot prepares the next container (loading onto transfer device) in advance while the current container is being treated. This preliminary preparation eliminates idle waiting time during the treatment cycle, allowing continuous processing without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping container preparation and treatment operations. While one container undergoes electrical treatment, the robot simultaneously prepares another container, ensuring that no time is wasted and the processing cycle flows continuously without idle periods.
2Productivity
If multiple containers are processed simultaneously, then throughput increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a treatment chamber for electrical treatment and a preparation area for container preparation. The robot operates in both zones, enabling parallel processing of multiple containers through spatial segmentation rather than requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer device acts as an intermediary between the treatment chamber and the preparation area. This mediator allows the robot to efficiently move containers between zones, enabling simultaneous preparation and treatment operations without requiring direct complex integration of all functions in one location.
3Loss of time
If container exchange time is reduced, then process duration decreases, but service time quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary actions (positioning, aligning, and preparing the container) before the actual treatment begins. This ensures that when the container exchange occurs, everything is pre-positioned for rapid transfer, minimizing exchange time while maintaining proper service quality through thorough preliminary preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual or complex mechanical container handling with a robotized system that uses programmed sequences and automated positioning. This substitution enables rapid, precise, and reliable container exchanges without compromising service quality, as the robot follows exact programmed procedures for each transfer operation.
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
Significantly reduces the process duration per cycle and increases throughput by allowing simultaneous preparation and treatment of containers, minimizing waiting times and service times during high-throughput processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one container (4) is subjected to at least one voltage pulse while at least one other container (15) is subjected to a preparation or follow-up treatment
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for impacting two containers provided with two electrodes by a voltage pulse, comprises preprocessing a first container, impacting the first container with the voltage pulses and simultaneously preprocessing a second container, mutually exchanging the positions of the first container already impacted with the voltage pulse and the second container, and impacting the second container with the voltage pulses and simultaneously postprocessing the first container before impacted with the voltage pulse and preprocessing a next container. Independent claims are included for: (1) a device for electrically contacting containers provided with electrodes; and (2) a method for electrically contacting containers.