Chucking Mechanism for Preform Angular Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for orienting plastic preforms and containers in production processes, such as blow molding and labeling, are inefficient due to high costs, complexity, and reduced productivity, often requiring precise and expensive electronic devices or high-precision mechanics, and fail to maintain orientation during transfer.

Innovation Solution

A chuck system integrated into a conveying chain with a structure that includes a rotation pinion, lifting plate, and quick fastening end, allowing for precise angular orientation and rotation of preforms, using mechanical components to maintain orientation without damaging the preforms, and ensuring orientation is maintained throughout the transfer process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser devices or photocells are used to identify the notch on the preform neck, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotch identification precisionVSAvoidelectronic device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic identification systems (laser devices, photocells) with a simple mechanical indicator element on the chuck that directly shows the angular position. The indication element provides visual feedback about the predetermined angular position without requiring expensive electronic sensing and processing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck system provides its own orientation indication through the indication element that shows the predetermined angular position. This self-indicating mechanism eliminates the need for external measurement and control systems, making the system self-sufficient for orientation purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If high-precision mechanics are used for orientation during final conveying, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slow movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular orientation precisionVSAvoidconveying speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation of the preform is performed in advance during the conveying process rather than at the final stage. The chuck maintains the predetermined angular position throughout the conveying chain, allowing orientation to be completed earlier in the process flow without compromising precision or reducing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the preform to be freely rotatable during certain phases of conveying when orientation is not required, then locks into the predetermined angular position when needed. This dynamic approach enables high-speed conveying with precision orientation only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If complex orientation systems are implemented, then angular orientation precision is improved, but device complexity and customization costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular orientation precisionVSAvoidorientation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck design serves multiple functions: it grips the preform, maintains angular orientation during conveying, and provides visual indication of the predetermined position. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate orientation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The indication element is a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that provides orientation information without requiring expensive electronic systems. The system uses basic mechanical elements rather than complex, costly components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Device complexity

If orientation is performed only during final conveying, then device complexity is reduced, but orientation stability is worsened during transfer to mold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation system complexityVSAvoidorientation stability during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck maintains the predetermined angular position continuously throughout the entire conveying process and during transfer to the mold. The locking means ensure the orientation is maintained without interruption or loss of stability from the orientation point through to the molding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2315653B1chuck

Publication Date: 2016.03.02 SIPA SOCIETA INDUSTRIALIZZAZIONE PORGETTAZIONE E AUTOMAZIONE SPA

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AI summary

A chuck (40) for quickly fastening and actuating container preforms (30) or plastic material containers to be used on conveying chains (4) of said preforms (30) or containers. The chuck (40) of the present invention is provided with particular expedients for allowing, for example, the angular orientation of the preforms from the step of loading onto a conveying line to the step of blowing the containers, in a blowing machine (9), in a simple, cost-effective manner.