Linear Motor Carriage Format Adaptation via Automated Guide Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In beverage filling systems, the need to adapt to different container formats requires extensive retooling, leading to high investment and personnel costs, as well as potential errors and machine downtime, due to the necessity of exchanging retooling parts for each container size and shape.
Innovation Solution
The method involves automated adjustment of container guides and retaining clips on linear motor systems, allowing for format adaptation without exchanging parts, by adjusting guide width and height through machine-controlled drives, enabling flexible adaptation to various container cross-sections without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retooling parts are exchanged for different container formats, then the machine can adapt to various container sizes and shapes, but investment costs and space requirements for storing retooling parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single carriage structure that can handle multiple container formats through automated adjustment mechanisms. The container guides and retaining clips can be repositioned to accommodate different bottle sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated retooling sets for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the container guides and retaining clips adjustable rather than fixed. The guides can be moved laterally and vertically to adapt to different container dimensions, and the retaining clips can be repositioned along the carriage to match different neck positions, allowing one carriage to dynamically adapt to various container formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual retooling activities are performed, then the machine can be reconfigured for different container formats, but personnel costs and machine downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated adjustment mechanisms that can reconfigure the carriage for different container formats without manual intervention. The system can automatically position the container guides and retaining clips based on the selected container type, eliminating the need for operators to manually exchange retooling parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the adjustment parameters for different container formats. When a format change is required, the system can automatically execute the pre-defined adjustment sequence, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure and adjust each component during retooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual retooling is performed, then format changes can be made, but errors in retooling work causing damage and loss of production are possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing control systems that monitor the position of container guides and retaining clips during adjustment. The system can verify that components are correctly positioned for the selected container format, providing feedback to ensure accurate reconfiguration and prevent errors that could lead to damage or production loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retooling operations with automated mechanical adjustment systems controlled by electronic or programmable mechanisms. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning and securing components, ensuring consistent and reliable configuration changes across different container formats.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized container guides are attached for each container format, then proper container guidance is achieved, but device complexity and retooling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing container guides that can be dynamically repositioned rather than statically fixed for each format. The guides can be moved along tracks or rails to accommodate different container widths and heights, and their positions can be adjusted and locked in place, providing precise guidance for various container types without requiring multiple specialized guide sets.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for format adaptation of carriages for the transportation of bottles on a linear motor system and a corresponding linear motor system are described. According thereto, container guides provided on the carriages are adapted to the body cross-section of the bottles by adjusting a guide width in an automated manner between guide jaws of the container guides which in relation to the direction of travel are the leading and trailing ones. There is then no need to replace component parts at the container guides, and the production in filling systems is optimised in terms of staff requirements, resultant production stoppages, and error sources.