Automated Spinner Nose Replacement via Angular Indexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing spinner noses in container preform transport installations are time-consuming and require manual intervention, leading to prolonged downtime in production lines, as they involve complex and time-wasting processes for immobilizing and repositioning the chuck for nose replacement.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a transport chain and angular indexing device, coupled with a manipulator tool, ensures the spinner nose can be efficiently removed and replaced by maintaining the mandrel in a fixed angular position, allowing for robotic operation and minimizing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual replacement of spinner noses is performed, then the replacement process is simple to execute, but the replacement time is excessively long causing production line downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service replacement of spinner noses through a robotic manipulator that autonomously performs removal and installation operations. The chuck automatically positions itself using a cam mechanism, and the robotic system executes the replacement without human intervention, transforming a manual task into an automated self-service process that reduces replacement time while managing complexity through systematic automation
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the chuck in the correct angular orientation before the robotic manipulator arrives to replace the spinner nose. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the manipulator grasps the nose, the chuck is already ready for the replacement operation, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing overall replacement time
2Measurement precision
If the chuck is allowed to rotate freely during nose replacement, then the manipulation is easier, but the positioning precision is insufficient for automated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning the chuck from a static fixed-position state to a dynamically controllable state. The cam mechanism provides dynamic angular positioning, allowing the chuck to be precisely oriented at different stages of the replacement process. This dynamic control enables the robotic manipulator to easily grasp and remove the spinner nose while maintaining precise angular positioning throughout the operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spinner nose models are supported, then the system versatility is improved, but the replacement complexity increases due to different diameters and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality through the robotic manipulator, which can handle multiple types of spinner noses with different diameters and configurations using a single automated tool. The manipulator's gripper is designed to accommodate various nose sizes, and the automated positioning system adapts to different preform models, enabling one system to perform multiple replacement tasks without requiring model-specific manual procedures
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 significantly reduces the time required for spinner nose replacement, thereby minimizing production line downtime and increasing efficiency by enabling precise and rapid angular positioning and tool-assisted removal and installation of spinner noses.
Implementation Method 1
an angular indexing device for the swivels, which includes a cam, each swivel being provided with a cam follower integral with the mandrel, and which cooperates with the cam in the inactive section of the path to place the mandrel in a predetermined fixed angular position
Implementation Method 2
a pinion rotationally integral with the mandrel and engaging the rack on an active section of the path
Implementation Method 3
The spindle nose is usually mounted on the chuck by means of a bayonet fitting, which consists of a groove cut into the chuck into which a pin attached to the spindle nose engages
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an installation (1) for transporting preforms (2) of containers, each preform (2) having a cylindrical body (3) and an open neck (4), this installation (1) comprising a fixed frame (7); a rack (8) integral with said frame (7), said rack (8) being in the form of a chain (9) or a belt and extending in an open loop along a determined path, said rack (8) being interrupted locally in order to define for the path an active section PA where the rack (8) extends and a local inactive section PI where the rack (8) is interrupted; a turntable (17) provided with a mandrel (18), a pinion (19) rotationally integral with the mandrel (18) and engaging the rack (8) on the active section PA of the path, a turntable nose (20) fixed on the mandrel (18) in a removable manner; and a manipulator (31) equipped with a tool (32) for dismantling the nose (20) of the turntable;said installation (1) being remarkable in that the manipulator (31) is automated and located in the vicinity of the inactive PI section of the path.;