Electric Actuator Preform Indexing for Heat Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor devices for thermoplastic material preforms in heat treatment ovens face challenges in efficiently indexing preforms in a specific reference position, leading to suboptimal selective heating and increased production time.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electric actuators on the principal wheel of the conveyor device allows for precise angular indexing of preforms in a reference position before entering the oven, enabling faster, more accurate, and reliable indexing at higher production throughputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional mechanical indexing systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but the indexing speed and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical indexing mechanisms with electric actuators mounted on the principal wheel. These electric actuators directly drive the holding means to rotate preforms to reference positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and achieving faster, more precise indexing at higher production throughputs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving parameter from mechanical force transmission to electrical actuation. By using electric actuators with controlled rotation, the system achieves precise angular positioning of preforms while increasing indexing speed and reducing the overall complexity of the mechanical transmission system
2Productivity
If preforms are indexed inside the oven, then the heating path is fully utilized, but the production time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the indexing action before the preforms enter the oven by using electric actuators on the principal wheel to position preforms in reference positions upstream. This preliminary indexing allows the oven's heating path to be fully utilized for heating operations, eliminating the time loss associated with indexing inside the oven and increasing production throughput
3Manufacturing precision
If manual or slow indexing methods are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the manufacturing precision of container shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise mechanical indexing with electric actuators that provide controlled, precise angular positioning. The electric motors can be precisely controlled to achieve the exact reference positions required for optimal heating, thereby improving container shape precision while the modular nature of electric actuators keeps the added complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a device for conveying thermoplastic material preforms for use in a heat treatment oven and such a device for conveying preforms including at least one principal wheel and one auxiliary wheel at least one of which is driven in rotation to move at least one transport device to which are connected in movement holding device each configured to cooperate with a preform. In example embodiments, the holding device is adapted to be actuated relative to a preform- or vice versa-between an inactive position and an active holding position. In example embodiments, the at least one principal wheel of the conveyor device includes electric actuators that selectively drive at least in rotation the holding device in such a manner as to index said preform in a reference position.