Container Marking for Production Path Traceability and Fault Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and analyzing faults in container production facilities fail to identify the source of the malfunction nor to detect other problems that may occur in the facility, such as misshapen containers, leaks, or other issues during the filling process, and do not provide a way to trace the path of the container in the facility effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing containers that involves individual identification of each container through a unique marking step during a predetermined tracking period, including station information and time-stamping, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of faults by linking machine data with post-production tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple markings are applied to trace the container path through each facility element, then the ability to trace the container path is improved, but the container is weakened and the facility becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traceability markings into a single integrated marking on the container. Instead of applying separate markings from each facility element, the system consolidates path information into one marking that can be read and analyzed after the container leaves the facility, thereby maintaining traceability while avoiding multiple marking applications that would weaken the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system as an intermediary that collects marking information from all facility elements and consolidates it into a single marking. This mediator coordinates the traceability function across multiple components without requiring each component to apply its own marking, thus reducing the total number of markings while preserving complete path traceability.
2Loss of information
If multiple markings are applied to trace the container path through each facility element, then the ability to trace the container path is improved, but the facility becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal marking system that serves all traceability needs across the facility through a single marking application. The control system is designed to handle markings from any facility element through a unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized marking systems and reducing overall facility complexity while maintaining comprehensive traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple traceability functions into a single integrated system. Instead of having separate marking and tracking systems for each facility element, the invention combines all marking operations and path tracking into one coordinated system managed by a central control unit, thereby simplifying the facility architecture while preserving complete traceability information.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are installed to detect defective containers, then the ability to detect defective containers is improved, but the ability to analyze the cause of malfunction and detect other problems remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the unique marking on each container provides information about its complete production path. When a defective container is detected by sensors, the marking information feeds back to identify which specific facility elements the container passed through, enabling detailed analysis of the malfunction cause and detection of problems in specific units rather than just detecting the defect itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies markings to containers in advance that encode information about their production history and path through the facility. This preliminary action ensures that when a defect is detected later, the cause analysis can be performed immediately by decoding the pre-applied marking, rather than requiring complex real-time tracking infrastructure to determine the fault source.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for the production of containers from a series of plastic preforms heated in a container production facility having at least one heating station, a forming machine with a number of forming stations, one or more treatment machines with a number of treatment stations. The method includes: forming the preforms in the forming machine; treating the individual containers in the treatment machine; and circulating each container held individually between the forming machine and the treatment machine(s). The method also includes individual identification of each container that is produced during a predetermined tracking period, an individual identification phase including a marking step during which each individual container that is produced during the tracking period receives a marking that matches the container, making it possible to identify individually the container by distinguishing it from all of the other containers produced by the production facility during the tracking period.