Preform Dust Removal Carousel With Pneumatic Tube Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust removal devices for thermoplastic preforms are inefficient due to the high cost of linear electric motors and calibration requirements, leading to unsatisfactory performance in controlling the sliding of blowing tubes within the preforms.

Innovation Solution

A dust removal device utilizing a rotating fluidic distributor with a pneumatic cylinder controlled automatically by the angular position of a carousel, featuring a stator and rotor with pressure and exhaust chambers, and radial walls to manage the actuation and exhaust of gas, allowing for precise control of insufflation tubes without the need for expensive electric motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If linear electric motors with encoder control are used to control the sliding of blow tubes, then the control precision and automation of the dust removal device is improved, but the device cost increases and regular calibration is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear electric motor with a pneumatic cylinder actuated by a rotating fluidic distributor. The pneumatic cylinder uses compressed air delivered through rotating distributors with radially distributed outlets to propel the blow tubes axially, substituting an electromechanical system with a pneumatic one that eliminates encoders and complex control electronics while maintaining synchronized operation with the carousel rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a pneumatic cylinder as the actuating mechanism for the blow tubes, controlled by a rotating fluidic distributor that channels compressed air to specific outlets based on angular position. This pneumatic system provides automatic control without requiring expensive electric motors or encoder-based feedback systems, reducing both cost and complexity while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Extent of automation

If linear electric motors are used to control the blow tubes, then the automation of the dust removal device is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear electric motor with a pneumatic cylinder actuated by a rotating fluidic distributor. The pneumatic cylinder uses compressed air delivered through rotating distributors with radially distributed outlets to propel the blow tubes axially, substituting an electromechanical system with a pneumatic one that eliminates encoders and complex control electronics while maintaining synchronized operation with the carousel rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating fluidic distributor automatically directs compressed air to the appropriate outlets based on its rotational position, which is synchronized with the carousel rotation. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external encoders or complex control systems, achieving automation through the inherent geometry and rotation of the distributor itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides efficient and cost-effective dedusting of preforms by automating the control of insufflation tubes, reducing the need for frequent calibration and minimizing operational costs while maintaining high performance in dust removal.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic cylinder to control at least one blow tube between its two extreme positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a rotating fluidic distributor which includes: an internal stator which is fixed relative to the base, and which includes a pressure line connected to a working gas source and at least one exhaust line; an external rotor which is mounted to rotate around the stator coaxially with the central axis in a manner fixed to the carousel and which includes at least one first actuating port which is connected to the first working chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3904045B1Device for removing dust from the inside of a preform
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP3904045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3904045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3904045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (20) for removing dust from the inside of preforms (22) comprising: - a rotating carousel (32) incorporating preform (22) retaining elements (38); - an insufflation tube (54) mounted to slide on the carousel (32) by means of a pneumatic cylinder (56), the pneumatic cylinder (56) comprising a first working chamber (108); characterized in that it comprises a rotating fluidic distributor (60) comprising: - a stator (62); - a rotor (64) which includes a first actuating port (66B) connected to the working chamber (108); - a first pilot stage (60B) connected to the first working chamber (108) comprising a pressure chamber (70B-1) connected to the pressure line (116), an exhaust chamber (70B-2) connected to the exhaust line (122B); and radial walls (114B) separating the pressure chamber (70B-1) and the exhaust chamber (70B-2).