Rotatable Carrier Holding Device Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In container treatment systems, the transfer of containers between holding devices is often done at high speeds, requiring precise adjustments to avoid damage or collisions, but existing methods are prone to errors during setup, leading to malfunctions and production losses due to late detection of misalignments or loose units.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a rotatable carrier and sensor devices that detect and monitor the position of holding devices, allowing for precise assignment and continuous monitoring of their positions, enabling early detection of defects or misalignments without the need for additional measuring tools, and ensuring correct installation of holding devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If visual inspection and manual adjustment methods are used for holding device positioning, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and late detection of misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical measurement tools (dial gauges, caliper gauges) with an automated optical sensor system. The sensor device non-contactly measures the position of holding devices, eliminating the need for physical contact and manual operation, thereby achieving higher positioning precision without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring and self-adjustment capabilities. The sensor device continuously monitors holding device positions, and the control unit automatically compares measured values against reference values, allowing the system to self-diagnose positioning errors without requiring external manual inspection or intervention
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring with sensor devices is implemented, then the reliability improves through early defect detection, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs preliminary detection of positioning errors before they cause damage or production stoppages. By continuously monitoring holding device positions during operation and comparing them against reference values, the system identifies deviations early, allowing corrective action before reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensor measurements are continuously fed back to the control unit, which compares actual positions against reference values and generates appropriate responses (alerts, adjustments, or stoppage commands). This feedback loop maintains reliability by ensuring deviations are promptly detected and addressed
3Productivity
If manual adjustment procedures are used during product changes, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to partial empty running and readjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs preliminary verification of holding device positions during the changeover process. By detecting positioning errors before full production begins, the system prevents the need for partial empty running and subsequent readjustments, thereby reducing setup time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sensor-based measurement and evaluation system replaces time-consuming manual adjustment procedures. The sensor quickly non-contactly measures positions, and the control unit automatically evaluates compliance with reference values, eliminating the need for operators to use mechanical tools and perform iterative manual adjustments during product changes
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
This solution simplifies and ensures accurate positioning of holding devices, reducing the risk of errors and production losses by allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment, thus preventing damage and ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor device which detects and/or monitors a position of the holding device
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus for transporting containers with a movable and in particular rotatable carrier which has a plurality of changeable holding devices for holding the containers during transport, wherein the apparatus has at least one sensor device which detects and/or monitors a position of the holding device, in particular after a change of the holding devices. According to the invention, the apparatus has an assignment device which assigns at least one measured value detected by the at least one sensor device to at least one and preferably to each holding device.