Motorised Holding Elements for Plastic Preform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating plastic preforms lack variability in rotation, which limits the application of different temperature profiles and increases the need for stationary components, restricting flexibility in shaping processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with independently controlled drive devices for each holding element on a circulating transport means, allowing for variable rotation and movement of plastic preforms along a path with different curvatures, and incorporating separate stators and rotors with electric motors for precise control and heating management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary toothing and gear system is used to rotate plastic preforms, then uniform rotation is achieved, but variability in rotation speed and temperature profiling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation drive system into individual motor units, with each holding element having its own drive device. This segmentation allows each preform to be rotated independently at different speeds and directions, enabling variable rotation and customized temperature profiles for different sections of the preform during heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static, uniform rotation system with a dynamic control system where each holding element's rotation speed and direction can be independently adjusted. This dynamic capability allows for variable rotation patterns that can create different temperature distributions across the preform surface during the heating process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stationary curves are used to guide holding elements, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in movement paths and heating zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed stationary curves with dynamically controllable holding elements that can change their movement paths. Each holding element can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing for flexible routing through different heating zones and enabling customized heating patterns without requiring complex reconfiguration of physical guides.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all holding elements are driven uniformly, then device simplicity is maintained, but individual temperature profile control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into independent motor units for each holding element. Each drive device can be controlled separately, allowing different rotation speeds, directions, and heating zone assignments for each preform. This enables individual temperature profiling where different sections of different preforms can receive customized heating patterns simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by assigning specific rotation and heating parameters to individual holding elements based on their position and the desired output. Each holding element can have its own rotation speed and heating zone configuration, allowing localized temperature control that varies across different preforms and different sections of the same preform.
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 enhances the variability of heating processes, reduces stationary components, and allows for customized temperature profiles, enabling the production of plastic containers with non-circular cross-sections and efficient energy management through active cooling.
Implementation Method 1
drive devices which can be controlled independently of one another and which at least also cause the rotary movement of the plastic preforms with respect to their longitudinal direction are assigned to these holding elements
Implementation Method 2
Plastic preforms are usually first heated in these devices in order to then be able to be shaped into plastic containers
Implementation Method 3
the means of transport and/or the drive devices are cooled with a cooling device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for heating plastic preforms (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the plastic preforms (10) along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device (2) has a rotating transport means (26) and a plurality of holding elements (32) for holding the plastic preforms (10) are arranged on this transport means (2), and these holding elements (32) are movable with respect to a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastic preforms to be rotated. According to the invention, each of the holding elements (32) is assigned independently controllable drive devices (24) which at least also effect the rotational movement of the plastic preforms (10) with respect to their longitudinal direction.