Apparatus for cooling and handling preforms in plastic material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preforms cooling and handling apparatuses are inefficient, using hot air for cooling which does not meet market needs for optimized cooling times and injection molding cycle time while ensuring high-quality preforms for blown-molded containers.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable handling station with an aeraulic circuit that switches between blowing and aspirating air to improve thermal exchange, using cooling means to lower air temperature from 30-35°C to 10-15°C, allowing for efficient cooling and handling of preforms by integrating blowing and aspirating capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hot air (30-35°C) is used for cooling preforms, then the cooling process is simpler, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and cycle time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by cooling the air from 30-35°C to 10-15°C before it contacts the preforms. This is achieved through a cooling circuit with heat exchangers that lower the air temperature, thereby increasing the temperature gradient and improving heat transfer efficiency during the cooling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling circuit between the ambient air and the preforms. This circuit includes air cooling means and heat exchangers that act as mediators to pre-cool the air before it reaches the preforms, enhancing the overall cooling efficiency without requiring direct contact with cold surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable handling station is used for cooling and handling, then preform extraction is improved, but the risk of preform collapse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by implementing an aeraulic circuit with blowing and aspirating modes. During extraction, aspirating air flow is used to hold and move preforms without mechanical contact. During cooling, blowing air flow is used to cool preforms while maintaining gentle support, avoiding mechanical stress that could cause collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the aeraulic circuit switchable between different operational modes (blowing and aspirating). The system dynamically adjusts the air flow direction and pressure based on the operational phase, providing gentle support during extraction and controlled cooling during the cooling phase, thereby maintaining preform integrity throughout.
3Productivity
If air cooling is used instead of conventional cooling methods, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the rotatable handling station to perform multiple functions: extraction of preforms from molds, cooling of preforms, and transfer to blow molding machines. The same device and aeraulic circuit are used for both handling and cooling operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing rotatable handling station. The cooling circuit is integrated into the handling station structure, combining air cooling means, heat exchangers, and control systems within the same device that already performs extraction and transfer operations.
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
The solution achieves more efficient cooling and handling of preforms, reducing the injection molding cycle time while ensuring high-quality preforms through enhanced thermal exchange and secure extraction, avoiding preform collapse during the process.
Implementation Method 1
cooling means arranged along said delivery duct for cooling the air sent to said rotatable handling station
Implementation Method 2
a delivery duct for sending air to said rotatable handling station
Implementation Method 3
an aspiration duct for aspirating air from the inside of the rotatable handling station
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for handling and cooling plastic preforms comprising a rotatable handling station (2), provided with a plurality of retaining and cooling pins (3) for preforms and adapted to cooperate with an extraction plate (4) adapted to extract the preforms from an injection mold; an aeraulic circuit (5) connected to said station and comprising an aspiration duct (6) for aspirating air from the inside of the station; a delivery duct (7) for sending air to said station; cooling means (8) arranged along the delivery duct for cooling the air sent to said station; aspiration means (9, 19, 29) connected at least to the aspiration duct and to the delivery duct, and wherein switching means are further provided, to pass from a first circuit configuration, in which there is an air passage from the delivery duct to the inside of the station, to a second circuit configuration in which there is an air passage from the inside of the station to the aspiration duct, whereby, in the first configuration, air is blown by means of the plurality of pins, while, in the second configuration, air is aspirated by means of said plurality of pins.