Reversible Coupling for Glass IM Spray Head Collision Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

IS machines for glass container production face downtime and costly repairs due to collisions between the lubricating tool's spray head and machine mechanisms, leading to damage and assembly efforts required for the lubricating tool's components.

Innovation Solution

A reversible and detachable coupling between the spray head and robot connection that opens in case of collision, preventing force transmission and allowing for safe separation and reattachment, along with internal lines for lubricant and air supply to prevent damage and premature aging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spray head is fixedly attached to the robot connection, then the lubrication function is stable, but collision damage causes downtime and repair costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication function stabilityVSAvoiddowntime for replacement and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device divides the connection between spray head and robot into separable parts (first coupling part on spray head, second coupling part on robot connection), allowing the spray head to be quickly detached and replaced without damaging the robot connection, thus reducing downtime while maintaining stable lubrication function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device includes a breaking point designed to fail safely under excessive force, preventing collision forces from damaging the robot connection. This pre-planned weak point absorbs the shock of collisions, protecting the expensive robot while allowing simple replacement of the coupling device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the spray head holder is provided with breaking points to protect the robot, then robot damage is prevented, but the spray head holder and spray head must be replaced causing downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot protection from collision damageVSAvoidmachine operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection is segmented into the spray head, coupling device, and robot connection as separate replaceable components. When collision occurs, only the coupling device needs replacement rather than the entire spray head holder assembly, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed as a low-cost, easily replaceable component that absorbs collision damage. Instead of protecting expensive permanent components, a inexpensive coupling device is used as a sacrificial element that can be quickly replaced, ensuring continuous production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If multiple lubricating robots are provided to lubricate all preforms, then complete lubrication coverage is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication coverage completenessVSAvoidnumber of lubricating robots

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray head is dynamically positioned by a robot between different stations rather than having fixed lubricating robots at each station. This dynamic approach allows one spray head to serve multiple positions, reducing the number of lubricating devices from multiple fixed robots to a single mobile spray head with coupling device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Prevents damage to the lubricating tool and robot, reduces downtime, and allows for manual reattachment of the spray head, ensuring continuous operation with user approval, thus minimizing assembly efforts and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The lubricating tool has a spray head for spraying the lubricant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Implementation Method 2

the spray head is reversibly detachably attached to the robot connection by means of a coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4186876B1Is machine for producing glass containers and method for operating such an is machine

Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HEYE INT

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AI summary

The invention relates to an injection molding (IM) machine (1) for the production of glass containers and a method for operating such an IM machine (1). The IM machine has a plurality of stations (2), each comprising a preform (3) and a finished mold (4), and a lubrication tool (5) for lubricating at least a portion of the preforms (3) with a lubricant. The lubrication tool (5) has a spray head (18) for spraying the lubricant and a robot connection (7) to which the spray head (18) is attached and by means of which the spray head (18) is movable within the IM machine (1) between different stations (2). The invention is characterized in that the spray head (18) is reversibly detachable from the robot connection (7) by means of a coupling (8). This provides a means of protecting a robot manipulating the lubrication tool without incurring high repair costs in the event of a collision.