Doser Quick-Change System for Plate Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plate production systems face lengthy changeover and cleaning times due to complex screw connections and the need for tools like forklifts to detach and reattach dosing devices, leading to costly production interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A quick-change system for dosing devices that allows for rapid exchange without tools, featuring hook-like elements and a tripod stand with adjustable height, enabling dosing devices to be hung and secured without screws, and providing anti-pivoting means to stabilize the device during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screw connections and forklifts are used to detach and reattach dosing devices, then the dosing device can be replaced, but the changeover time becomes time-consuming and production interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing device replaceabilityVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing device is divided into separate modular components that can be independently detached and attached. The quick-change system separates the dosing device from the press mechanism, allowing independent replacement without affecting other components. This segmentation enables rapid exchange by simply detaching the modular dosing unit from the press.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-change system is pre-configured with attachment and detachment mechanisms that are ready for immediate use. The system includes pre-positioned connection elements and guide structures that align automatically during replacement, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If screw connections are used to attach dosing devices, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-free rapid exchange becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtool-free exchange capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screw connection mechanism is completely removed from the attachment system. Instead, a quick-change system with dedicated attachment elements is used that allows tool-free detachment and attachment. The connection mechanism is extracted from the traditional screw-based approach and replaced with a specialized rapid-connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-change system introduces intermediary connection elements that facilitate tool-free attachment. These intermediaries include guide rails, clamping elements, and alignment features that work together to secure the dosing device without requiring screws or external tools. The intermediary mechanisms provide both secure attachment and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If complex screw connections and forklifts are used for dosing device exchange, then the dosing device can be securely attached, but production interruptions and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static, fixed screw connection to a dynamic quick-change mechanism. The quick-change system allows the dosing device to be rapidly attached and detached without compromising attachment strength during operation. The dynamic nature of the system enables maintenance activities to be performed with minimal impact on production continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3715076B1Doser quick change system for plates production systems
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SR SCHINDLER MASCH ANLAGETECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3715076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715076B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715076B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plate production plant for manufacturing plates, comprising a rotary table on which workstations are arranged, one of which is a dosing device (1) suitable and intended for supplying a material to be pressed in a predetermined dosage, wherein this dosing device (1) is interchangeable. According to the invention, the plate production plant has a quick-change system for changing the dosing device (1).