Stretch-Blow Pre-Blowing Control After Parameter Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed industrial stretch-blow molding processes, pre-blowing phase regulation is disrupted when operating parameters are changed, leading to production stoppages and decreased productivity, as existing methods require manual re-establishment of reference points.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes an initialization phase for setting up operating parameters, a regulated production phase with real-time measurement and adjustment of pre-blowing curve characteristics, and an automatic updating phase to maintain regulation even after parameter changes, allowing continuous production without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual re-establishment of reference points is required after parameter changes, then regulation accuracy is maintained, but production stoppages occur and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects parameter changes and re-establishes reference points without operator intervention. The control unit monitors operating parameters, identifies when changes occur, and autonomously performs the reference point re-establishment process, allowing the production line to continue uninterrupted while maintaining regulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operating parameters and provides feedback to the control unit. When parameter changes are detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic reference point re-establishment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that regulation accuracy is restored immediately after any parameter modification without requiring production stoppage.
2Productivity
If automatic updating of regulation parameters is implemented, then production continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to regulate pre-blowing pressure and timing while also monitoring operating parameters for changes and automatically re-establishing reference points. By making the control unit multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the increase in complexity is minimized while achieving automatic updating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter monitoring function and reference point re-establishment function are merged into the existing control unit. Rather than creating separate independent systems, the patent integrates these functions into the centralized control architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining production continuity through automatic updating.
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 of the stretch-blow molding process by automatically updating parameters in response to changes, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a fluid under reduced pressure, called pre-blowing and generally between 5 and 16 bars, into the preform so as to form a bubble
Implementation Method 2
a pre-blowing solenoid valve fluidically connecting the preform to a pressurized fluid source supplying a pre-blowing flow rate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for regulating the cyclic production of containers (2) by stretch-blowing from preforms (3), comprising: a) a phase of initialising a plurality of operating parameters of the machine (1) during the production cycle and of regulation parameters including at least one reference position (Ac, Bc, PCab, Fc) of at least one characteristic point (A, B, Pab, F) of a pre-blowing curve; b) a phase of regulated production, during which: b1) the pre-blowing curve is measured and stored and a real instant and/or a real pressure is computed that corresponds to said characteristic point (A, B, Pab, F); and b2) a new value of at least one operating parameter of the machine (1) is computed as a function of a difference between the real instant and the reference instant and/or between the real pressure and the reference pressure, characterised in that the regulated production phase includes a step b3) of monitoring a possible change imposed by the operator of a value of an operating parameter of the machine (1), and further comprising a phase of automatically updating regulation parameters including: c1) a stabilisation step, during which production continues and the actions b1) are executed and the actions b2) are suspended; and c2) a step of correcting the reference instant and/or the reference pressure as a function of the real instant and/or real pressure values stored during the stabilisation step, in order to continue the regulated production phase.