Conveyor Belt Speed Profiling for Glass Container Spacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IS machines face limitations in adjusting the spacing between glass containers on conveyor belts due to uneven belt elongation, leading to potential damage and instability, especially at higher operating speeds, which is exacerbated in multi-drop machines.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to provide a conveying speed profile for the conveyor belt, adjusting the speed in sections to compensate for uneven belt elongation by monitoring position data and deriving a speed profile that ensures uniform spacing of glass containers despite wear-related elongation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor belt operates at higher speeds to increase productivity, then productivity increases, but the glass containers become unstable and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveying speed variable rather than constant. The drive device adjusts the conveying speed dynamically based on detected belt elongation, allowing the system to operate at higher speeds when the belt is taut and reduce speed when elongation occurs, thereby maintaining container stability while maximizing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect belt elongation in real-time and using this information to adjust the conveying speed. The control system receives feedback about belt condition and automatically modifies operational parameters to prevent container damage while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If the distance between glass containers on the conveyor belt is reduced to increase productivity, then productivity increases, but the spacing control becomes difficult due to belt elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveying speed to compensate for belt elongation, maintaining precise control over container spacing even when the belt length changes. This allows reduced spacing between containers while preserving uniformity through active speed modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of conveying speed in response to belt elongation detection. By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system maintains precise spacing control despite changes in belt dimensions, enabling tighter container spacing with consistent uniformity
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional ejection mechanisms are used to adjust container spacing, then some spacing modification is possible, but the risk of damaging glass containers increases due to quick finger movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ejection finger system with a conveyor belt-based transport system. Instead of using fingers that quickly push containers to adjust spacing, the system uses the continuously moving belt to convey containers at controlled speeds, eliminating the impact and damage risks associated with mechanical ejection while maintaining spacing precision
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing a conveying speed profile for a drive unit (136) of a conveyor belt (130) of a production plant (1), wherein the production plant comprises an IS machine (100) for manufacturing glass containers (B) and the conveyor belt (130) for conveying the glass containers (B), wherein glass containers (B) are placed on the conveyor belt (130) and/or the conveyor belt (130) conveys glass containers (B), wherein position data of the glass containers (B) on the conveyor belt (130) are recorded, wherein a belt elongation is determined based on the position data, wherein the belt elongation relates to individual belt segments (132, 133, 134) of the conveyor belt (130), and wherein the conveying speed profile for the conveyor belt (130) is provided based on the belt elongation. In this way, it is possible to increase the operating speed, reduce rejects, and improve monitoring capabilities.