Single-Star Container Transfer Device for Blow Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transfer systems for treatment devices, such as blow molding stations, require large space for feed and discharge wheels, leading to blind spots and increased costs due to the need for larger treatment wheels and additional treatment elements, which complicates handling and increases expenses.
Innovation Solution
A single-star container transfer device with a movable carrier that synchronizes the movement of transfer devices with a stationary container holder, allowing for efficient transfer and removal of containers along a common transport path, reducing the need for additional space and treatment elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate feeding starwheel and removal starwheel are used, then continuous feeding and removal of containers is achieved, but the system requires large space and creates blind spots limiting treatment stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of feeding and removing containers into a single starwheel device. This single starwheel performs both the feeding function (transferring preforms to blow molds) and the removal function (taking formed containers from blow molds), thereby eliminating the need for separate feeding and removal starwheels and reducing the overall space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single starwheel is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: feeding preforms to blow molds, removing formed containers from blow molds, and coordinating with treatment elements. This universal device replaces what were previously separate specialized devices, optimizing space utilization while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Ease of operation
If additional treatment elements are added to each treatment station for single-star feeding, then container transfer is enabled, but the blow wheel becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the container transfer function from individual treatment stations and relocates it to a centralized single starwheel device. Instead of each blow mold station having its own treatment elements for transferring containers, the single starwheel performs this function externally, thereby reducing the weight and complexity of each individual treatment station and the overall blow wheel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single starwheel acts as an intermediary device that mediates the transfer of containers between the feed source and the blow molds, and between the blow molds and the removal destination. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for heavy treatment elements at each station, as the starwheel handles the transfer operations centrally.
3Productivity
If larger diameter treatment wheel is used to accommodate more containers, then required number of treatment stations and residence time are guaranteed, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic coordination between the single starwheel and the treatment stations. The starwheel can adjust its rotation speed and timing to synchronize with the treatment process at each station, allowing for optimized residence time without requiring an excessively large wheel diameter. This dynamic adjustment enables maintaining productivity while using a more compact wheel size.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for transporting containers using a transport apparatus that comprises: a transfer device for transferring a container to a movable treatment device, which transfer device has at least one container holder that is stationary with respect to the treatment device, and a receiving device for receiving a container from the movable treatment device; wherein the transfer device and the receiving device are situated on a common movable support; wherein the transfer device and the receiving device are movable in part along a transport path of the containers; wherein, in order to transfer or receive a container, the transfer device and the receiving device can be synchronised at least in part with a movement of the container holder.