Blow Molding Preform Feeder Suction Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preform feeders for blow molding machines face issues with preform damage due to violent knocks during transportation and inconsistent contact between preforms, limiting the increase in conveying and feed speeds.
Innovation Solution
A belt conveyor system with a suction device that holds preforms against the belt, slowing them down and maintaining contact, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring correct positioning for quicker transfer to the molding unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If preforms are transported using compressed air blows to increase conveying speed, then productivity is improved, but preforms are subjected to violent knocks causing damage and inconsistent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a belt conveyor with suction devices instead of compressed air blows to transport preforms. The suction device creates a vacuum that holds preforms against the moving belt, providing gentle yet effective transport without violent impacts, thus resolving the contradiction between conveying speed and preform damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the compressed air-based mechanical transport system with a vacuum suction-based system. This substitution eliminates the harmful knock-on effects while maintaining controlled movement and consistent positioning of preforms throughout the conveying process
2Ease of operation
If preforms are accumulated in a compacted row at the outlet of the conveyor, then ease of operation is improved for quick picking, but preforms are repeatedly shaken by impacts causing unplanned distances
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device maintains continuous vacuum on preforms in the accumulation area, holding them firmly against the belt and preventing rebound effects. This ensures consistent contact between preforms while allowing compact arrangement for easy transfer to the molding unit
Solution Approach 2:
The belt conveyor system provides a cushioning effect by allowing preforms to be gently decelerated and held in position before transfer. The suction force acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs impacts and maintains stable positioning, preventing the rebound that would create gaps between preforms
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 significantly reduces preform damage and ensures consistent contact, allowing for increased feed speeds and efficient transfer to the molding unit.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device (20) configured to carry out, along the conveying stretch (18), a suction through the perforation (21) of the belt (17) in which the suction holds the preforms (1) against the belt (17) along the conveying stretch (18)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A feeder (12) of preforms (1) for a blow molding machine (5) comprises a belt conveyor (14) for transporting the preforms (1) from an inlet point (15) to an outlet point (16), the belt conveyor (14) comprising a belt (17) extending along a conveying stretch (18) from said inlet point (15) to said outlet point (16), a suction device (20) configured to carry out, along the conveying stretch (18), a suction through a perforation (21) formed in the belt (17), in which the suction holds the preforms (1) against the belt (17) along the conveying stretch (18), a transfer device (22) configured to receive the preforms (1) from the belt (17) at the outlet point (16), an accumulation surface (23) against which the belt (17) pushes the preforms (1) and which slows down the preforms (1) with respect to the movement of the belt (17), thus causing a tail of slowed down preforms (1'), one in contact with the other, which extends from the outlet point (16) in the conveying stretch (18).