Simultaneous Retooling of Packaging Machine Format Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual retooling of packaging machines, such as blow molding devices, is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for sequential exchange of format parts, which can be halved by simultaneous retooling but poses safety challenges for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simultaneous manual retooling of multiple units or format parts within a processing device, ensuring operator safety through specific safety devices and coordinated activation of repositioning mechanisms, allowing multiple retooling processes to occur simultaneously while preventing manual intervention during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If simultaneous manual retooling of multiple format parts is implemented, then retooling time is significantly reduced, but operator safety is compromised due to multiple working openings being open simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
A control system acts as an intermediary between operators and the repositioning mechanism. The control system receives activation signals from multiple working openings, validates that all necessary format parts are ready for repositioning, and only then triggers the repositioning action. This intermediary function ensures coordinated safety while enabling simultaneous retooling operations across multiple working openings.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple activation signals from different working openings are merged into a single control logic that governs the repositioning mechanism. The control system combines the readiness status of all working openings and triggers repositioning only when all conditions are met, allowing simultaneous manual retooling while maintaining unified safety control.
2Reliability
If sequential retooling of format parts is performed through a single working opening, then operator safety is maintained, but retooling time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device is segmented into multiple independent working openings, each capable of simultaneous manual retooling operations. This segmentation allows operators to work on different format parts at different locations simultaneously, reducing overall retooling time while maintaining safety through the control system's coordination of repositioning actions across all segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system and a processing device for simultaneous manual retooling of at least two units or for simultaneous exchange of at least two format parts within a processing device. The processing device includes at least two working areas, each including a retooling area, a working opening and an activation device. The working openings exist in an open retooling state or in a closed processing state. For retooling at least two of the working openings are opened. The actual state of the working openings of at least two working areas is determined. Furthermore the activation of at least one activation device is recognized. If the activation devices of open working openings are activated simultaneously, a repositioning of convertible units or format parts is triggered.