Glass Container Forming System Zone Partitioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Glass container forming machines with automated components are prone to malfunction and slowdown due to interference with machinery during operation, particularly in IS machines employing automatic swabbing implements.
Innovation Solution
A glass container forming system with zone partitioning and a control system that includes object detectors and door sensors to manage operator access and control the operating state of the machines, reducing external interference by using a robotic swabbing system and a carriage traversable along a rail to apply lubricant efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated swabbing implements are used in IS machines, then lubrication efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and interference with machinery during operation becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the IS machine into separate workstations with zone partitioning, isolating automated swabbing implements in specific areas. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by modularizing components and limiting interference to specific zones rather than affecting the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
Zone partitioning acts as an intermediary barrier between the automated swabbing implements and the rest of the IS machine. This physical separation mediates the interaction between moving parts and stationary components, reducing unwanted interference while maintaining lubrication efficiency.
2Reliability
If zone partitioning with access doors is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but access to equipment areas becomes more restricted and operation time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Door sensors provide feedback to the control system about the state of access doors (open/closed). This feedback enables automatic control of the IS machine operation based on door status, allowing the system to start or stop automatically when doors are opened or closed, thereby minimizing operator wait time while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically controlling its own operation based on door sensor feedback. When a door is opened, the system automatically initiates safety protocols or stops operation without requiring manual intervention, reducing the time operators would otherwise spend waiting for system response.
3Reliability
If object detectors and door sensors are added, then interference with machinery is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it controls the IS machine operation, monitors door sensors, processes object detector data, and coordinates zone partitioning. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A glass container forming system and method for operating a glass container forming system. The glass container forming system includes: a plurality of workstations, each of which includes an equipment area and zone partitioning; one or more object detectors configured to obtain sensor data of an operator access area of one or more of the plurality of workstations, and/or a carriage carrying a robot; a plurality of glass container forming machines located within the plurality of workstations; and a control system for performing the method and/or otherwise operating the glass container forming machine.