Preform Transfer With Mouth-Supported Dual-Axis Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preform handling systems face issues with preform damage, particularly for non-standardized shapes and large-mouthed preforms, and require multiple handling devices upstream and downstream of thermal conditioning ovens, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with transfer elements that move along a closed trajectory, supporting preforms at the mouth region, allowing efficient transfer and discharge without engaging the outer surface, accommodating various shapes and sizes, and using a single handling device for both upstream and downstream operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handling devices with grippers are used to pick up preforms, then preforms can be transferred, but preforms may be damaged and the solution is not suitable for preforms with large mouths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful gripping action from the transfer mechanism. Instead of using grippers that contact and potentially damage the preform body, the system uses support surfaces that only contact the base of the preform, allowing the preform to be transferred without harmful forces applied to its vulnerable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary support surface as a mediator between the transfer mechanism and the preform. This support surface acts as a gentle interface that sustains the preform during transfer without the damaging contact forces of direct gripper engagement, particularly protecting the preform body and mouth area.
2Ease of operation
If multiple handling devices are used upstream and downstream of the conditioning oven, then preform transfer can be performed, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transfer functions upstream and downstream of the conditioning oven into a single integrated handling device. This device performs both upstream transfer (from supply line to conveyor) and downstream transfer (from conveyor to discharge line), eliminating the need for separate handling devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device is designed with universal capability to perform multiple transfer operations. It can pick up preforms from different locations (supply line and conveyor), transfer them through the conditioning oven, and discharge them to different destinations, making a single device replace multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handling devices are used for preforms with non-standardized shapes, then transfer can be performed, but reliability decreases due to critical elements ruining preforms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing support only at the base region of the preform rather than attempting to grip the entire preform body. This localized support approach adapts to various preform shapes and sizes while maintaining reliability, as the support surface contacts only the stable base area that can withstand the transfer forces without damage.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for the treatment of plastic preforms, which comprises a line (10) for the supply of preforms (50), which comprise a preform body (51) and a preform mouth (52), the supply line (10) being arranged upstream of an oven (2) for the conditioning of the preforms (50), a line (11) for the discharge of the preforms (50) being provided which is arranged downstream of the conditioning oven (2) and is designed to feed the preforms (50) to a blow molding or transfer carousel (30), the conditioning oven (2) being associated with a closed conveyance circuit (3) which comprises a plurality of grip elements (4) configured to retain respective preforms (50); the apparatus (1) comprises at least one element (20) for the transfer of the preforms (50) which is arranged between the closed conveyance circuit (3) and the discharge line (11), the at least one transfer element (20) forming at least one supporting portion (21) for a portion of the preform (50), the at least one transfer element (20) being movable along a trajectory (100) for movement between a position for the pickup of the preform (50) and a position for the release of the preform (50), the movement trajectory (100) having a first movement component on a horizontal plane and a second movement component along a substantially vertical axis.