Preform Angular Indexing via In-Process Neck Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for angular indexing of preforms during container manufacturing are inefficient due to errors in orientation, which lead to misalignment between the heating profile and the mark on the preform, resulting in suboptimal container formation and labeling processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves marking the preform's neck during handling by a spinner, using a laser or marking substance, while the preform is on a passive section of the heating path, allowing precise angular indexing and orientation for accurate positioning in the forming mold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the preform is marked before heating, then the marking device may be damaged by heat, but the marking process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The preform is marked during the heating process rather than before or after, integrating the marking operation into the existing heating cycle. This allows the marking to be performed when the preform is at the appropriate temperature without requiring separate marking operations, thus avoiding device damage from extreme heat while simplifying the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The marking device is positioned to operate dynamically during the heating cycle when the preform passes through the heating zone, allowing the marking operation to be performed at the optimal temperature point without interrupting the heating process or requiring additional stationary marking equipment
2Reliability
If the preform is marked after heating, then the marking device is protected from heat damage, but the alignment between the mark and heating profile becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the preform's own heating profile as a reference to position the marking device, with sensors detecting the heating zones and automatically adjusting the marking position to ensure precise alignment between the mark and the heating profile, maintaining accuracy while protecting the marking device from excessive heat
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the heating process and the marking device, using real-time temperature and position data from the heating zone to coordinate the marking operation, ensuring precise alignment without requiring the marking device to withstand extreme heat directly
3Ease of operation
If the preform orientation is not precisely indexed, then the handling process is simpler, but the alignment between the mark and forming mold becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical indexing mechanisms with an optical/electronic marking system that uses the mark itself as a reference for orientation. The marking device incorporates sensors and control systems that automatically detect the mark position and adjust the forming mold orientation accordingly, eliminating the need for precise mechanical indexing while maintaining high alignment accuracy
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 approach ensures precise angular indexing, reducing errors and improving the alignment between the heating profile and the mark, leading to enhanced container formation and labeling processes with reduced reorientation needs.
Implementation Method 1
The marking step includes at least one registration mark making operation which consists of exposing a determined angular area of an external face of the neck to a laser beam powerful enough to locally mark the neck of the preform
Implementation Method 2
the heating path includes at least one active section along which the preform body is directly exposed to heating radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the angular indexing of a preform (12) that comprises a body (14) and a neck (16), the method comprising: - a step (E2) of marking the neck (16) of the preform (12), which consists in producing at least one reference mark (87) on the neck (16) of the preform (12); - a step (E1) in which a heating station (20) handles the preform (12), during which the preform (12) is transported along a heating path by a support member, referred to as a spindle (38), which allows the preform (12) to be rotated about its axis (X1), and during which the body (14) of the preform is heated; characterised in that the marking step (E2) is carried out during the handling step (E1), when the preform (12), carried by a spindle (38), is moving on the heating path.