Modular Container Treatment Module Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container treatment machines lack flexibility and rapid modifiability, requiring extensive rebuilding to replace defective components and not allowing for easy adjustment to different container sizes or process parameters.

Innovation Solution

A modular container treatment system with a frame, centering device, and motor, featuring adjustable dimensions and local control units, enabling easy attachment and detachment of modules, and allowing for flexible configuration and replacement of components without rebuilding the entire machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If container treatment machines are designed as integrated systems, then structural stability and operational reliability are improved, but flexibility and ease of modification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container treatment machine is divided into multiple independent container treatment modules that can be individually attached and detached. Each module contains its own frame, centering device, motor, and control unit, allowing the system to maintain stability while enabling flexible reconfiguration by simply connecting or disconnecting modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If container treatment machines are designed as integrated systems, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and component replacement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of component replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The machine structure is segmented into modular units where defective components such as centering devices, motors, or entire treatment modules can be quickly replaced by detaching and attaching replacement modules, eliminating the need for extensive disassembly and rebuilding of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If container treatment machines allow easy modification, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized modular modules with uniform attachment interfaces and control protocols. This segmentation allows complex adaptability features to be achieved through simple module combination rather than complex internal mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each container treatment module is designed with universal functionality to handle different container types and treatment requirements. The modules can be configured in various combinations and arrangements, providing multi-functional capability without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.

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

4Productivity

If multiple treatment modules are added to increase productivity, then output is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoutputVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows productivity enhancement by simply adding more independent treatment modules to the existing system. Each module can be installed separately using standardized attachment mechanisms, significantly reducing installation time compared to integrating new components into a monolithic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Container treatment modules are pre-assembled with all necessary components (frame, centering device, motor, control unit) configured and tested before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment and minimizes on-site installation time when expanding system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2792603B1Container handling module for use in a container handling machine
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 KRONES AG
  • EP2792603B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2792603B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e
  • EP2792603B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

Container treatment module (100) for use in a container treatment machine (110), comprising a frame (101) on which a rotary table (102), a motor (103) associated with this rotary table and a centering device (104) that can center a container (111) on the rotary table are arranged, and wherein the container treatment module comprises at least one means (205) for attachment to the container treatment machine and/or another container treatment module.