Oblique Gas Flow Preform Handling in Blow Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow molding processes face challenges in reliably feeding preforms to blow molding machines with high production capacity while minimizing costs, due to significant frictional forces between preforms and guide rails, requiring large volume gas flows to generate sufficient feed forces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second gas flow that runs obliquely to the preforms' longitudinal axis with a propagation component counter to gravity, combined with independently controlled first and second gas flows, reduces friction and ensures secure alignment and transport of preforms, acting as both a transport and sorting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long feed rails are used to achieve sufficient dynamic pressure of preforms, then the preforms can be fed reliably to the blow molding machine, but the overall height of the device increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a gas flow to generate feed force on the preforms. The gas flow acts on the preforms to overcome frictional forces and propel them along the guide rail, eliminating the need for long feed rails while maintaining reliable feeding. This is achieved through the interaction between the gas flow and the preform surface, creating a propelling force that moves the preforms efficiently.
2Force
If large volume flows of gas are used to generate sufficient feed forces, then the preforms can be moved against frictional forces, but the energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the gas flow specifically to the region where it is most effective - the area around the preforms that needs propelling. The gas flow is applied locally to generate feed force where needed, rather than using large volume flows throughout the entire system. This localized application reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient feed force.
3Reliability
If the preforms are fed with high dynamic pressure, then the feeding reliability is improved, but the frictional forces between preforms and guide rails increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles to reduce frictional forces by introducing a gas flow between the preforms and the guide rail. The gas flow creates a lubricating effect that minimizes direct contact and friction, allowing the preforms to move more smoothly. This pneumatic lubrication reduces the harmful frictional forces while maintaining feeding reliability through the propelling effect of the gas flow.
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 significantly reduces friction during preform handling, enables reliable and cost-effective feeding of preforms, and aligns misaligned preforms, enhancing the functionality of the blow molding process.
Implementation Method 1
At least one first gas flow is applied to the preforms in order to generate a feed force
Implementation Method 2
at least one second gas flow is applied to the preforms in such a way that a buoyancy force counter to gravity
Implementation Method 3
the dynamic pressure of the preforms being generated in an input area of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The method and the apparatus serve for handling preforms which are fed to a device for blow moulding containers. In the region of the device for blow moulding containers, the preforms are drawn within at least one blow mould by a drawing rod following thermal conditioning and are shaped into containers by the action of blowing pressure. At least a first gas stream, which escapes from outflow openings in a guide device, is applied to the preforms during a handling operation in the area surrounding a mouth region for applying a feed force. At least a second gas stream is additionally applied to the preforms in such a manner that a stream runs obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the preforms and with a propagation component in the direction towards a mouth portion of the preforms.