Extrusion Feed Device Parallel Recipe Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for changing recipes in extrusion devices are labor-intensive and time-consuming, leading to unproductive machine downtime and incorrect recipe mixtures due to the need for manual sequential changes of multiple operating interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A submission device with an operating interface and a subsequent interface connected via a switch device, allowing for parallel preparation and adjustment between the user and follow-up materials, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing production stoppages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual sequential switching of individual input interfaces is used for recipe changes, then the system can maintain simplicity in design, but the changeover time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the recipe change process into independent parallel segments: multiple input interfaces (first input interface, second input interface, etc.) can be prepared simultaneously with their respective materials, rather than sequentially. Each interface operates independently but contributes to the same recipe change objective, enabling parallel preparation without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing multiple input interfaces with their respective materials in advance, before the actual recipe change is needed. The feed hopper can be pre-filled with materials for subsequent recipes while the current recipe is still running, so that when a recipe change is required, the transition can occur rapidly without sequential delays.
2Device complexity
If multiple input interfaces are changed sequentially for complex recipes with multiple components, then the system structure remains simple, but the number of manual tasks and time investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple input interfaces into a single integrated feed hopper that can receive materials from multiple sources simultaneously. Instead of changing each interface separately, all input interfaces are combined into one common receptacle that can be filled with the complete set of materials needed for the new recipe in a single operation, dramatically reducing the number of manual tasks required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning all required materials in the feed hopper before the recipe change is initiated. Operators can prepare the complete material set for the subsequent recipe in advance, so that when the changeover is needed, all materials are already in place and the transition requires minimal time and manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the extrusion unit continues running during manual changeover, then production continuity is maintained, but the machine produces rejects and remains unproductive during the changeover period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by completely preparing all materials for the subsequent recipe in the feed hopper before initiating the recipe change. This pre-preparation ensures that when the changeover occurs, the correct materials are already in place, eliminating the period during which the extrusion unit would produce incorrect recipe mixes and rejects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the changeover process by using the parallel preparation capability to minimize the time the extrusion unit operates with incorrect materials. The rapid switching mechanism allows the system to quickly transition from one recipe to the next, reducing the duration of unproductive operation and the amount of reject material produced during the transition.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for recipe changes, maintains production continuity, and minimizes incorrect mixtures by enabling simultaneous preparation and switching of materials during ongoing production.
Implementation Method 1
a suction line (42) connected to an output (62) of the switching device (60) and drawing in the aspirated feed material and the aspirated downstream material into the feed container (40)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a feed device (10) for feeding recipe material (RM) for an extrusion process in an extrusion device (100), having a feed interface (20) for suctioning feed material (EM) and a subsequent interface (30) for suctioning subsequent material (FM) and additionally having a feed container (40) for receiving suctioned feed material (EM) and suctioned subsequent material (FM). The storage container (40) is connected to an outlet (62) of a switching device (60) via a suction line (), and a feed inlet (64) of the switch device (60) is connected to the feed interface (20) via a feed line (22) and a subsequent inlet (66) of the switch device is connected to the subsequent interface (30) via a subsequent line (32), wherein the switch device (60) additionally has an adjustment section (68) that can be adjusted between a feed position (EP), in which the feed inlet (64) is connected to the outlet (62), and a subsequent position (FP), in which the subsequent inlet (66) is connected to the outlet (62).