Preform Feeding Conveyor With Funnel Buffer for Low-Damage Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preform feeding systems for PET bottles are prone to damage and scratches during handling and generate high noise levels due to impact and pouring processes.
Innovation Solution
A transport and feeding unit with a first and second conveyor belt system, incorporating a funnel-shaped device that acts as a storage buffer, and sensors to monitor and control the flow of preforms, ensuring gentle and quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If preforms are fed using a pouring process from a silo, then the preforms can be efficiently delivered to the processing area, but the preforms are damaged or scratched and high noise levels are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a funnel-shaped device as an intermediary element between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt. This funnel acts as a mediator that receives preforms from the first conveyor belt and gently guides them onto the second conveyor belt, eliminating the harmful pouring process while maintaining efficient preform delivery. The funnel's curved surface ensures smooth transition without impact or scratching.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple conveyor belts and funnels are used to gently transport preforms, then preform damage is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel-shaped device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a buffer storage for preforms, a guide channel for gentle transitions, and a space-saving structural element. By combining these functions into a single component, the system achieves gentle preform handling without proportionally increasing complexity. The funnel replaces what would otherwise require separate buffer and guide mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the funnel-shaped device between different height levels of conveyor belts. The first conveyor belt operates at one height, the funnel provides vertical transition, and the second conveyor belt operates at another height. This three-dimensional arrangement efficiently manages preform flow while minimizing the system's horizontal footprint and overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring systems are added to control preform flow, then operational precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using sensors that detect the presence and flow of preforms between conveyor belts. The sensors provide real-time information about preform flow status, and this feedback is used to control the operation of the conveyor belts and funnel, ensuring optimal preform handling. The feedback mechanism maintains precision while keeping the control system relatively simple through straightforward sensor-actuator loops.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport and feeding unit for preforms, in particular for PET bottles, wherein the transport and feeding unit (4) can be loaded with preforms at its upstream end and feeds the preforms to a conveying unit (8) arranged at the downstream end of the transport and feeding unit (4). The transport and feeding unit (4) has a first conveyor belt (5) and a second conveyor belt (7), wherein a funnel-shaped device (6) is provided at the downstream end of the first conveyor belt (5), through which the preforms enter the second conveyor belt (7), which feeds the preforms to the conveying unit (8) arranged at its downstream end.