Filling Assembly Transport Routing for Container Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment systems require complex conversions and incur high costs and long downtimes due to the need for varying equipment setups for different products, and they often rely on space-consuming buffers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container treatment system with a transport device featuring multiple interconnected transport stars that allow for direct routing of containers to treatment devices without buffers, enabling efficient and cost-effective operation by eliminating the need for complex conversions and buffer spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are routed through multiple separate treatment devices (sterilizing group, rinsing group, filling group, sealing group), then each treatment step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the system requires complex conversions and long downtimes when changing products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal treatment head that can perform multiple treatment functions (sterilizing, rinsing, filling, sealing) through a single integrated device. The treatment head is designed with interchangeable components and adjustable parameters that allow it to adapt to different container types and treatment requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each treatment step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the treatment head can be quickly adjusted and repositioned to accommodate different container sizes, shapes, and treatment protocols. The robotic arm providing six degrees of freedom allows real-time adaptation of the treatment path and parameters based on the specific product being processed.
2Productivity
If buffers are used to create a roundabout transport path for containers, then container flow can be managed between treatment steps, but space requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the buffer storage elements from the traditional container treatment system. By implementing direct point-to-point transport between the treatment head and container positions, the system removes the need for intermediate buffer zones while maintaining continuous container flow through optimized robotic positioning and treatment sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous container treatment through the robotic arm's ability to maintain uninterrupted motion and the treatment head's capability to perform all necessary treatments in a single continuous pass. This eliminates idle buffer storage time and maintains constant productive action throughout the treatment process.
3Reliability
If the entire system is converted when changing filling products, bottles, lid elements, or labels, then all components can be optimized for the new product, but conversion time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment system into modular components, with the robotic arm and treatment head as independent, interchangeable units. This segmentation allows only the necessary components to be changed or reconfigured when switching products, rather than converting the entire system. The modular design enables quick replacement of treatment head components while leaving the base system intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-programmed treatment protocols and pre-configured tooling options that are prepared in advance for different product types. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid changeover by simply selecting the appropriate pre-configured settings and components, minimizing conversion time while ensuring optimal treatment parameters for each specific product.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for treating containers, in particular preforms and/or bottles, comprising at least a first container treatment unit (19) for treating the containers in a first predetermined manner and a second container treatment unit (3) downstream in the transport path of the containers for treating the containers in a second manner, wherein the first treatment method differs from the second treatment method, and a transport device (T1, T2, T3, T4) for conveying the containers at least in sections from the first container treatment unit (19) to the second treatment unit (3). According to the invention, a further first or second container treatment unit (3, 19) is connected to the transport device (T1, T2, T3, T4), which forms at least two direct, sectionally different transport paths for the containers.