Preform Conveyor Automation for Format Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current preform conveyor systems in blow molding production require manual and time-consuming adjustments to maintain precise spacing and positioning of preforms, leading to potential errors, production line stoppages, and reduced efficiency due to the need for frequent recalibration during changes in preform formats.
Innovation Solution
Automating the adjustment of guide means along the conveyor using motorized systems with servo-control, allowing for independent adjustment of each group of components, and remote control to record and apply settings for different preform formats, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of guide means is used, then flexibility in adjusting spacing for different preform formats is achieved, but adjustment time increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a measuring device to create a digital copy (data) of the required spacing values for different preform formats. This data is stored in memory and can be rapidly retrieved and applied without manual measurement and adjustment, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability to different formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated system that uses a measuring device, data processing, and motorized actuation. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, reduces adjustment time, and minimizes human error while maintaining the ability to adapt to different preform formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of guide means is used, then flexibility in adjusting spacing for different preform formats is achieved, but adjustment precision deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device creates an accurate digital copy of the required spacing values, which is then precisely reproduced during adjustment. This eliminates human measurement and transcription errors, ensuring high adjustment precision while maintaining adaptability to different preform formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment with an automated system that uses motorized actuation based on stored data. This substitution eliminates human error in reading, interpreting, and applying spacing values, thereby improving adjustment precision while maintaining format adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple distributed adjustment members are used, then precise spacing adjustment along the conveyor length is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed adjustment members into a coordinated system controlled by a single measuring device and central control. The measuring device takes measurements at multiple locations, and the control system coordinates the adjustment of all members simultaneously based on stored data, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal adjustment system where a single measuring device and control mechanism can adjust multiple distributed guide means along the conveyor. This multi-functional system reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms at each location, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise spacing adjustment capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If format changes are made frequently, then production versatility is improved, but production yield decreases due to recalibration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores spacing data for multiple preform formats in advance during a presetting phase. When a format change is needed, the pre-stored data is rapidly retrieved and applied without requiring time-consuming manual measurements and adjustments, thus enabling frequent format changes while maintaining high production yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of spacing requirements for various formats and stores them in memory. During format changes, these pre-created copies are rapidly retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual recalibration and enabling frequent format changes without sacrificing production yield.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for adjusting a preform (1) conveyor (2), comprising a pre-adjustment phase during which preforms (1) of a first format are conveyed and according to which each preform (1) is supported under its collar (101) by guides (7) delimiting a lateral space (70); the body (100) of each preform (1) is guided by rails (8) delimiting a holding gap (80); the rim (104) of each preform (1) is guided by a top guide (9) defining a maximum height (90), with the lateral support space (70), the lower holding gap (80) and the maximum height (90) being independently adjusted with respect to the first format; and the values of the first format are recorded. Said method is characterised in that, in order to convey preforms (1) of a second format, the pre-adjustment phase is carried out, and in order to convey preforms (1) of the first format, the lateral space (70), the holding gap (80) and/or the maximum height (90) are adjusted automatically according to the recorded values of the first format. The invention also relates to a suitable adjustment device.