Modular Compressed Air Supply for Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for transforming plastic preforms into plastic containers lack a simple and effective method to detect leaks in the compressed air supply system.

Innovation Solution

A modular compressed air supply device with a built-in leakage detection system, allowing for the identification of leaks through a low-pressure air supply, and a modular structure that can be adapted to different application requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stationary compressed air supply device is used, then the system structure is simplified and operation is easier, but leak detection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidleak detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The compressed air supply device performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own air consumption. The control unit continuously measures the actual compressed air consumption and compares it against expected values, enabling the system to automatically detect leaks without requiring external inspection tools or complex additional sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the control unit receives data about compressed air consumption, processes this information, and generates alerts when anomalies indicating leaks are detected. This closed-loop monitoring system continuously adjusts and responds to changing system conditions, maintaining operational awareness without complicating the basic stationary supply structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the compressed air supply device is made modular, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication adaptabilityVSAvoidmodular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressed air supply device is designed as a modular system where a single base unit can be configured for different applications by adding or removing standardized components. The control unit and monitoring system serve multiple functions including leak detection, consumption monitoring, and system management, reducing the need for application-specific customizations while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The supply device is divided into independent modular components that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled and configured according to specific application requirements without redesigning the entire system, managing complexity through standardized interfaces and interchangeable modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient detection of leaks in the compressed air system, improving system reliability and allowing for targeted maintenance, while also providing a flexible solution that can meet various application-specific demands.

Implementation Method 1

the compressed air supply device has a leakage detection device which is suitable and intended to detect leaks in the compressed air supply of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3789182B1Device for reforming plastic pre-forms into plastic containers by means of stationary compressed air supply
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 KRONES AG
  • EP3789182B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3789182B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device for forming plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20) with at least one forming station (2) comprising a blow mold within which the plastic preforms (10) can be formed into the plastic containers (20) by applying a flowable medium, and with an application device (22) which applies the flowable medium to the plastic preforms, wherein the device includes a compressed air supply device (4) which provides the flowable medium and this compressed air supply device (4) is arranged in a stationary position. According to the invention, the compressed air supply device (4) is designed as a modular device which includes a venting and/or aeration device (42) for high-pressure air, wherein this modular device can be equipped with further supply components depending on the application.