Container Treatment Installation Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container production installations face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent production stoppages during cleaning and format changes, limited flexibility in handling different products, and suboptimal processing rates when machines operate at different speeds, particularly in the production of containers for products like shampoos and body care items.
Innovation Solution
The installation features multiple processing machines and transfer devices that allow for continuous operation during cleaning, increased flexibility, and enhanced processing rates by enabling separate treatment of containers through additional processing machines with distinct outlets and movable isolation assemblies, allowing for differentiated and parallel processing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single processing machine is used for container treatment, then the installation size and investment are reduced, but the production throughput is limited by the machine's processing rate and requires stoppage during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The installation is divided into multiple independent processing machines (first processing machine, second processing machine, third processing machine) that can operate simultaneously. Each machine handles a portion of the container stream, allowing parallel processing that increases overall throughput while maintaining manageable individual machine complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple processing machines are designed to perform the same type of treatment operation, creating redundant capacity that can be utilized during different operational phases. When one machine requires cleaning, the others continue processing, and the cleaned machine can be quickly reintegrated into the production stream
2Reliability
If the installation is stopped for cleaning, then contamination risk is eliminated, but production throughput is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The installation maintains continuous production by having multiple processing machines operating in parallel. When one machine is stopped for cleaning, the others continue to process containers, ensuring that the production line never fully stops and contamination prevention does not compromise throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs cleaning operations on one machine while other machines continue operating, allowing maintenance to be conducted in advance or concurrently rather than requiring complete production shutdown. This preliminary action on individual components prevents system-wide stoppages
3Adaptability or versatility
If the installation is designed for a single filling product, then the machine configuration is simplified, but flexibility for handling different products is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The installation uses multiple processing machines that can be configured to handle different filling products and technologies. Each machine can be independently programmed or adjusted for specific product requirements (viscous products, fluids, products with pieces), allowing the system to adapt to various products without requiring complete reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically configurable processing machines that can change their operating parameters and processing methods based on the product being filled. This dynamic adaptability allows the installation to handle diverse products efficiently while maintaining a relatively stable physical infrastructure
4Manufacturing precision
If containers are processed sequentially through multiple treatment stages, then each treatment can be optimized, but the overall processing rate is limited by the slowest stage
Solution Approach 1:
The processing sequence is divided into multiple independent treatment stages handled by separate machines. Each machine can be optimized for its specific treatment function while operating at its own optimal speed, and the parallel architecture prevents the bottleneck effect that would occur in a strictly sequential single-line process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an installation (1) for treating a series of containers (2), comprising: - at least one machine (6) for the initial treatment of the series of containers (2), in which the series of containers (2) is subjected to an initial treatment between an entry point (18) and an exit point (26) of said initial treatment machine, - at least one first additional treatment machine (8) and one second additional treatment machine (10) for the additional treatment of the series of containers (2), each being arranged such that at least some of the series of containers (2) that have been subjected to the initial treatment are subjected to an additional treatment in the first additional treatment machine (8) and/or in the second additional treatment machine (10), said additional treatment being applied between an entry point (34, 36) and an exit point (46, 58) of each of said first and second additional treatment machines (8, 10), - at least one first transfer device (28) designed to remove the series of containers (2) to the exit point (26) of the initial treatment machine (6) and to distribute them selectively to the entry point (34, 36) of the first and/or second additional treatment machine (8, 10). The treatment installation is equipped - with a first exit from the installation, through which containers treated by the first additional treatment machine can exit, and - with a second exit from the installation, through which containers treated by the second additional treatment machine can exit, the first and the second exit from the installation being separate from one another.