Electric Linear Drive for Blow Mold Base Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing blow molding processes are inefficient and costly when switching between different container sizes due to the need for complex and expensive mechanical guide curves and spacers, which hinder quick and cost-effective changeovers.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electric linear drive for the base part of the blow mold allows for independent and precise adjustment relative to the mold parts, eliminating the need for mechanical guide curves and spacers, enabling faster and more economical changes between container sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical guide curves are used to control the base part movement, then the mold parts can be opened and closed, but the changeover to different container sizes becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechangeover to different container sizesVSAvoidmechanical guide curves
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical guide curve system with an electric linear drive system. The electric linear drive uses electrical signals to control the position of the base part, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guide curves. This substitution allows for programmable adjustment of the base part position, enabling quick changeover to different container sizes without physical reconfiguration of mechanical guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the base part position dynamically adjustable through the electric linear drive. Instead of fixed mechanical guide curves, the system can adapt the base part position to different container sizes by controlling the electric linear drive's movement. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible and rapid changeover between different product specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If spacers are used to bridge increased distance for smaller containers, then the distance between base part and preform can be compensated, but the positioning becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between base part and preformVSAvoidspacer positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spacer system with an electrically controlled positioning system. The electric linear drive precisely controls the base part position based on programmed parameters, eliminating the need for physical spacers. This electrical control system can adjust the position with high precision for different container sizes without requiring separate spacer components or complex positioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positioning parameter from fixed mechanical spacers to variable electrical control signals. By adjusting the electrical control parameters of the linear drive, the system can precisely control the base part position for different container sizes. This parameter-based control replaces the physical dimension changes required by spacers, enabling precise positioning without additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple mechanical movements are coupled to accelerate process sequences, then the blow molding process speed increases, but the system becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess sequence speedVSAvoidcoupled mechanical movements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces coupled mechanical movement systems with electrically controlled independent drives. The electric linear drive for the base part can be controlled independently and synchronized with other mold parts through electrical control signals. This electrical coordination replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms, achieving fast process sequences without the complexity and cost of mechanically coupled movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables a cost-effective and time-saving conversion of the blow mold arrangement to different container sizes by using an electric linear drive for the base part, allowing for precise control and reduced energy consumption, thereby improving the efficiency and speed of the blow molding process.

Implementation Method 1

a second drive device, which is designed in the form of an electric linear drive, which is set up and provided for moving the bottom part relative to the mold parts in the lifting direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric linear drive: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a plastic preform can be directly subjected to pressure with a gaseous medium within the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2985130B2Forming device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 KRONES AG
  • EP2985130B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2985130B2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers with at least one blow mold (2), wherein the blow mold comprises a first mold part (4) and a second mold part (6), wherein the first mold part and the second mold part are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position by means of a first drive device (5), and wherein the blow mold comprises a bottom part (7) which is movable relative to the mold parts along a stroke direction (100) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mold parts in order to close a cavity in the closed position, and wherein a plastic preform can be pressurized directly with a gaseous medium within the cavity, wherein at least a second drive device (8), which is designed in the form of an electric linear drive, is configured and provided for this purpose.to move the base part relative to the molded parts in the lifting direction.