Stacked Piston Assembly for Domer Station Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container-forming processes using a domer assembly in container-forming machines experience excessive noise, vibration, and stress due to the impact of the punch engaging the domer, which is not adequately mitigated by existing floating domer configurations that still apply significant force in a single instant.
Innovation Solution
A domer station with a stacked piston assembly, where multiple pistons are aligned and biased by a pressurized fluid supply, allowing incremental pressure application as the domer moves between positions, distributing the force of the punch over time and reducing stress on the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed domer is used, then the structure is simple, but excessive noise, vibration and stress occur due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The domer is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one by mounting it on a piston assembly. The piston can move axially within the domer body passage, allowing the domer to dynamically adjust its position and absorb impact forces through controlled motion rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston assembly acts as an intermediary between the punch and the domer. It mediates the impact force by providing a compliant interface that can move and absorb energy, reducing the direct transmission of shock and vibration to the machine structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a floating domer on spring/piston is used, then impact force is reduced, but the force is still applied in essentially a single instant
Solution Approach 1:
The single piston is divided into multiple pistons arranged in series within the domer body passage. Each piston can move independently and sequentially, breaking down the single instant force application into multiple staggered force applications. This segmentation extends the duration over which the total force is applied to the cup-shaped body.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pistons create a periodic action pattern where force is applied in successive pulses rather than a single impulse. As each piston sequentially engages the domer, it creates a series of controlled force applications that extend over time, reducing peak forces while maintaining deformation effectiveness.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple pistons are used to extend force duration, then impact time is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pistons are merged into a single integrated piston assembly that moves as a unit within the domer body passage. The pistons are connected through shared sealing arrangements and common structural elements, allowing them to function collectively while maintaining individual movement capability. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate piston mechanisms.
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
This solution reduces the stress on the machine by distributing the force of the punch engagement over time, minimizing noise and vibration, and ensuring complete deformation of the cup-like body while arresting the domer's motion effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The pistons have a constant pressure applied thereto and are biased towards the domer
Data Source
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AI summary
A domer station (10) having a domer assembly (12), a housing assembly (14), and a stacked piston assembly (60) is provided. The domer assembly (12) is movably disposed within a domer body passage (40) located in the housing assembly (14) and structured to move between a forward, first position and a retracted, second position. The stacked piston assembly (60) includes a plurality of pistons (62), preferably three pistons, disposed in series and a pressure supply. The pistons (62) are disposed behind the domer (12) in pressure chambers (164). The pistons (162) have a constant pressure applied thereto and are biased towards the domer (12). The pistons (62) are, however, each restrained by a stop and do not contact, or operatively engage, the domer (12) when the domer (12) is in the domer first position.