Stretch Blow Molding Pre-Blow Curve Control After Parameter Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In stretch-blow molding machines, changes in operating parameters, such as using preforms with different characteristics, disrupt the regulation system, leading to a drift in the pre-blowing phase and reduced productivity, as manual intervention is required to resume regulation.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes an initialization phase to set up and memorize operating parameters, a regulated production phase with automatic updating of parameters based on real-time measurements, and a stabilization phase to correct reference points, allowing the system to adapt to changes without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is required to reset reference points after operator changes, then regulation can resume, but productivity decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulation systemVSAvoidcyclic production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation system automatically detects operator-imposed parameter changes and performs self-recalibration without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own operation, identifies when recalibration is needed, and executes the recalibration process autonomously, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring regulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of parameter changes and prepares for recalibration before actual drift occurs. By monitoring operating parameters in real-time and anticipating the need for recalibration, the system can schedule and execute the recalibration process during optimal moments, minimizing disruption to production cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If operator changes operating parameters to adapt to new preforms, then adaptability improves, but regulation drifts and requires manual reset

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine operationVSAvoidregulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operating parameters and pre-blowing characteristics, comparing actual values against reference points. When operator-induced parameter changes cause deviation beyond acceptable thresholds, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic recalibration, ensuring the regulation system adapts to new operating conditions while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation system transitions from a static reference point approach to a dynamic adaptation mechanism. The system can adjust reference points automatically in response to operator changes, allowing the regulation to evolve with changing production requirements while maintaining stability through controlled recalibration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If regulation is suspended for manual reset, then accuracy can be restored, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-blowing phaseVSAvoidproduction cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic recalibration system enables continuous production without interruption. By performing recalibration autonomously during or between production cycles, the system maintains manufacturing precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual intervention and production suspension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system accelerates the recalibration process by executing it automatically and efficiently without the delays inherent in manual operations. The automated detection and adjustment mechanism can perform recalibration faster than manual processes, reducing the time impact on production cycles while ensuring precision is restored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Ensures continuous regulation and maintains productivity by automatically updating parameters in response to changes, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and reducing defects in container production.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-blowing solenoid valve (17) capable of putting the preform (3) into communication with said source of fluid according to a pre-blowing flow rate (Dp)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid valve actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

injecting a pressurized fluid into the preform (3) to form a container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced expansion: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

injecting a fluid under reduced pressure, called pre-blowing... into the preform so as to form a bubble

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas expansion in confined space: Bubble

Implementation Method 4

heating a plastic preform to the preform's glass transition temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4159409B1Method for controlling cyclic production of containers by stretch blow moulding
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP4159409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4159409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4159409B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for regulating the cyclic production of containers (2) by stretch blow molding from preforms (3), comprising: a) an initialization phase of a plurality of machine operating parameters (1) during the production cycle, and of control parameters including at least one reference position (Ac, Bc, PCab, Fc) of at least one characteristic point (A, B, Pab, F) of a pre-blow curve, b) a regulated production phase during which: b1) the pre-blow curve is measured and stored, and a real time and/or a real pressure is calculated corresponding to said characteristic point (A, B, Pab, F), and b2) a new value of at least one machine operating parameter (1) is calculated as a function of a difference between the real time and the reference time and/or between the real pressure and the reference pressure,characterized in that the regulated production phase includes a monitoring step b3) of any change imposed by the operator of a value of a machine operating parameter (1), and further comprising an automatic update phase of the control parameters including: c1) a stabilization step during which production is continued and actions b1) are executed, and actions b2) are suspended, and c2) a correction step of the reference time and/or reference pressure according to the actual time and/or actual pressure values ​​stored during the stabilization step, in order to continue the regulated production phase.