Linear Motor Double Carriage for Independent Shuttle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blow molding machines face inefficiencies due to the interdependence of nozzle and drawing rod movements, requiring complex mechanical adjustments and high power consumption, which complicates maintenance and productivity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a linear motor with double carriages, where each carriage has its own actuation, allowing independent control of the stretching rod and nozzle movements, reducing the need for mechanical intervention and optimizing stroke adjustments within the restricted space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single linear motor drives both the first shuttle (drawing rod) and second shuttle (nozzle) with magnetic coupling, then the device structure is simplified, but the movements of nozzle and drawing rod become interdependent, requiring complex mechanical adjustments and reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidproduction cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single linear motor is segmented into two independent carriages (first carriage for drawing rod, second carriage for nozzle), each capable of independent movement control. This segmentation allows the nozzle and drawing rod to move independently without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static magnetic coupling where both shuttles must move together to a dynamic system where each carriage can move independently based on process requirements. The controller dynamically manages the movement of each carriage separately, enabling optimized stroke adjustments and reduced production cycle time while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If the first shuttle is equipped with a motor to drive both shuttles jointly, then the power requirement increases, but the mechanical adjustment complexity also increases, complicating maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The motor system is segmented into two independent drive units within the single linear motor structure. Each carriage has its own drive capability, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission mechanisms. This reduces maintenance complexity while allowing each carriage to be controlled independently, optimizing power consumption based on actual process needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling and transmission mechanisms with direct electromagnetic drive in each carriage. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and complex adjustments, simplifying maintenance while reducing overall power requirements through independent control of each shuttle's movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stroke of the second shuttle is modified, then the adaptability improves, but mechanical components must be changed, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of stroke lengths for both carriages through electronic control without any mechanical modifications. The controller can independently program the movement distance and speed of each carriage, providing high adaptability for different preform sizes while maintaining ease of operation through software-based adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical stroke limits to variable electronic control parameters. By modifying the control signals to the linear motor carriages, the stroke length can be adjusted dynamically according to different production requirements, improving adaptability while keeping the mechanical structure unchanged and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables precise and independent adjustment of shuttle strokes, reducing production cycle time, simplifying maintenance, and lowering power requirements by allowing separate actuation of the shuttles, thereby enhancing productivity and flexibility in container production.

Implementation Method 1

a blowing device comprises a single linear motor driving a first shuttle, which supports the drawing rod, in vertical motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the first and second shuttles are equipped with coupling means, preferably magnetic, allowing: on the one hand, to secure said first shuttle with the second shuttle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3453516B1Application of a linear motor to a container blowing device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP3453516B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Use of a double carriage linear motor equipped with a controller (10) within a blowing device (1), a first carriage of said motor ensuring the movements of a first movable support (2) of a stretching rod (3) equipping said blowing device (1) according to at least a first stroke, while a second carriage of said motor ensures the movements of a second movable support (4) of a nozzle (5) equipping said blowing device (1) according to at least a second stroke, each of said first and second strokes being controlled independently by said controller (10).