Container Treatment Parameter Selection via Identification Mark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the beverage industry, changing production types on bottling machines is time-consuming and error-prone due to the large number of configurations and similar text identifiers, leading to incorrect settings and machine downtime when switching between different container types with varying material properties.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where containers are equipped with identification tags or codes that allow operators to select the correct production type by scanning a coded sample container, directly initiating changes in machine settings, reducing the need for manual menu-driven selection from long lists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual menu-driven selection from long lists is used for type changes, then operators can select production types, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
A detection device (barcode scanner, camera, or vision system) is introduced as an intermediary between the container and the control device. The detection device reads identification marks on containers and automatically transmits container information to the control device, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation and reducing selection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The container itself carries identification information (barcodes, data matrices, RFID tags) that automatically identifies the production type. The system uses the container's own markings to trigger automatic parameter adjustments, making the type selection process self-service and eliminating manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If similar text identifiers are used for different production types, then comprehensive type coverage is achieved, but operator errors increase due to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical selection process (clicking menu items, scrolling lists) is replaced with an automated optical or electromagnetic detection system. The detection device automatically reads identification marks and transmits data to the control device, eliminating human error in type selection while maintaining comprehensive production type coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If material properties of containers vary, then different treatment parameters are needed, but manual adjustment increases complexity and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the detection device continuously reads identification marks on containers, the control device automatically adjusts treatment parameters based on the detected container type, and the adjusted parameters are applied in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate treatment parameters for varying material properties without manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of operating a plant (1) for the treatment of containers (2), comprises: treating the containers with preset treatment parameters by a first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) of the plant; determining the product parameter characteristic of the container by detecting a recognition mark (80) associated with the container; altering the treatment parameter on basis of the characteristic product parameter; altering the treatment parameters of treatment elements; and displaying information on the container to be produced by a display device in dependent of the parameters to be determined. The method of operating a plant (1) for the treatment of containers (2), comprises: treating the containers with preset treatment parameters by a first treatment unit (10, 20, 30, 40) of the plant; determining the product parameter characteristic of the container by detecting a recognition mark (80) associated with the container; altering the treatment parameter on basis of the characteristic product parameter; altering the treatment parameters of treatment elements; and displaying information on the container to be produced by a display device in dependent of the parameters to be determined. The treatment parameters are partially alterable and depend upon product parameters characteristic for the container to be treated. The recognition mark: is a sequence of symbols arranged on the container, where the sequence of symbols is characteristic of the product parameters; and is arranged on a label of the container. The treatment unit of the plant comprises the treatment elements. The first treatment unit is a shaping device for shaping plastics material pre-forms into plastics material containers. An independent claim is included for a plant for the treatment of containers.