Preform Inspection and Weighting System with V-Groove Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for inspecting and weighting preforms, particularly those with elongated shapes, require manual weighting operations post-inspection, which are inefficient and labor-intensive, and lack automation for handling multiple samples effectively.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system that automates both inspection and weighting of preforms using a V-shaped support with an inner groove for stabilization, a plastic cannula channel for transfer, and a load cell on anti-vibration elements, along with a pneumatic selection system, allowing for efficient and precise weight measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual weighting operations are performed in the laboratory, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-weighting of preforms through the automated weighting device, eliminating the need for manual laboratory weighing operations. Preforms are automatically transferred, positioned, weighed, and sorted based on weight criteria without human intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical weighing operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising automated transfer mechanisms, positioning devices, and electronic weighing equipment. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual handling while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy through electronic sensors and automated data processing

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

2Device complexity

If preforms are transferred without stabilization support, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to oscillations from fall impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer system complexityVSAvoidweight measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A V-shaped support structure with an inner groove acts as an intermediary element between the transfer channel and the weighing platform. This mediator stabilizes preforms during transfer by providing a guiding groove that contacts the preform tip, dampening oscillations caused by fall impact before the preform reaches the weighing sensor, thereby ensuring measurement precision without requiring complex active stabilization systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The V-shaped support with inner groove provides beforehand cushioning by stabilizing preforms during their descent and transfer. The groove structure pre-positioned in the transfer path contacts the preform tip early in the transfer process, dampening oscillations before they can affect the weighing measurement, thus protecting measurement precision without adding complex active damping systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If vibration elimination measures are not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low frequency vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighting system complexityVSAvoidweight measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potentially harmful effect of vibrations into a beneficial outcome by using anti-vibration elements (elastomeric materials) that absorb and dampen low-frequency vibrations. These elements, integrated into the weighing platform support structure, transform vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, thereby eliminating measurement interference while adding minimal complexity to the weighting system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables rapid, accurate, and automated evaluation of preforms, improving manufacturing efficiency by eliminating manual labor and ensuring reliable weight measurement without vibration interference.

Implementation Method 1

a support is provided downward the system for transferring preforms, substantially an elongated V shaped support, having an inner groove on correspondence of V vertex, permitting contacting preform tip and stabilizing its oscillations due to the fall impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

said weighting system provides a load cell on masse, particularly masse weighting 60 kg, resting on anti-vibration elements, so as to eliminate all low frequency vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2454567B1System for inspecting and weighting objects, particularly preforms
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOC COOP ARL
  • EP2454567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2454567B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2454567B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a System for automatic evaluation of preforms, characterized in that it provides an inspection system, to which preforms are supplied, a weighting system, downward the inspection system, and a selection system, downward the weighting system, said preforms being transferred from the inspection system to the weighting system with a set orientation.