Quick Swap System with Secondary Locking for Container Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-change systems in container treatment machines often result in machine elements being incorrectly positioned during operation, leading to potential damage due to uncontrolled detachment under operational vibrations, which can cause defects in product treatment and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A second safety device is implemented to mechanically lock the machine element in the target position, preventing uncontrolled movement and providing a detectable securing position, allowing for corrective measures to ensure operational safety and proper product treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a quick-change system with spring-loaded securing elements is used, then changing time is reduced, but the machine element may become detached uncontrolled during operation due to lack of feedback on correct positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism through a sensor that detects the position of the machine element and a control device that receives this signal. The control device compares the actual position with the target position and provides feedback to indicate whether correct positioning has been achieved. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the quick-change system's speed advantage while adding reliability through automated position verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical frictional engagement with an automated detection and control system. Instead of depending on operators to manually verify positioning or on friction alone to maintain position, the system uses sensors and control devices to automatically detect and verify the machine element's position, substituting mechanical uncertainty with electronic verification.
2Ease of operation
If frictional engagement is used to hold the machine element, then simple quick-change is enabled, but the machine element can detach uncontrolled under operational vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the machine element's position and provides real-time information to the control device. This allows the system to detect if the element has moved from its correct position due to vibrations and trigger appropriate responses, resolving the instability issue while preserving the ease of quick-change operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of correct positioning before allowing operation to proceed. The sensor detects the target position and the control device confirms proper engagement before the machine element is considered securely installed, preventing uncontrolled detachment before operational forces are applied.
3Device complexity
If only a single securing element is used, then device complexity is minimized, but no feedback is provided on correct positioning and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a sensor and control device that provide feedback information about the machine element's position and securing status. This resolves the information loss problem by implementing a feedback loop that communicates positioning status back to the operator or control system, while the added complexity remains manageable through the use of standard sensing and control components.
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 second safety device ensures that machine elements remain securely positioned, minimizing the risk of damage and enabling reliable detection and correction of errors, thus maintaining operational reliability and preventing costly rejects.
Implementation Method 1
a pin-shaped securing element is brought into an engaged position by spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
In a quick-change system for product-dependent interchangeable machine elements (E) in a machine (M) performing an operational process with products, in particular in a container handling machine, in which the machine element (E) can be moved manually or by a changer in a reversible direction (26) in a holder (2) to a target position (X) and can be fixed in the target position (X) by a locking element (P1) comprising at least one locking element (S), at least a second locking element (P2) is provided with which the machine element, which is either not moved into the target position (X) or has been displaced from the target position (X), can be fixed in a locking position (Y) that deviates from the target position (X). According to the procedure, the locking position (Y) is detected and evaluated as a reason for a corrective action before the start of operation or during the operational process, before a corrective action is initiated and carried out.