Valve Unit with Discrete Flow Paths for Hollow Body Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hollow body manufacturing machines face complexity in controlling different volume flows of compressed air, particularly due to the complexity of proportional valves used in blow molding processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit with at least two valves, where the first valve has a housing with a cavity and a switching element for opening and closing, providing two separate flow paths for the medium between the inlet and outlet, allowing for discrete cross-sectional areas to be set, simplifying the drive mechanism and enabling different volume flows by selecting between predetermined flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proportional valve is used to control volume flow of compressed air, then different volume flows can be adjusted practically steplessly, but the control system becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is divided into multiple discrete valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) instead of using a single proportional valve. Each valve has specific flow paths with predetermined cross-sectional areas, segmenting the continuous flow control into discrete controllable stages that correspond to different process requirements (pre-blowing, main blowing, sterilization).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from continuous proportional valve opening to discrete valve selection. By providing multiple flow paths with different predetermined cross-sectional areas and selecting which valve to open, the system achieves different volume flows without requiring complex proportional control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If multiple valves with different cross-sectional areas are provided, then different volume flows can be achieved for different process stages, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple process stages (pre-blowing, main blowing, sterilization) through different valve combinations. The same valve unit structure provides different flow paths that serve different purposes, making the system versatile without requiring separate valve assemblies for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valves and their associated flow paths are merged into a single integrated valve unit structure. The first valve, second valve, and third valve are combined in one unit with shared components like the cavity and housing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide different volume flows for different process requirements.
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 allows for efficient pre-blowing, recycling, and sterilization processes with distinct volume flows, reducing complexity and improving control over the manufacturing process, while maintaining a clean environment for producing hollow bodies.
Implementation Method 1
at least two flow paths, separated from one another by the material of the housing and/or the switching element, can be provided for the medium between the inlet and the outlet of the first valve
Implementation Method 2
the first valve having a valve housing and a cavity is formed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, within which the medium can be passed during the shaping process and within which at least part of a switching element is arranged, with which opening and closing of the first valve can be carried out
Implementation Method 3
the blow nozzle seals the material to be molded and/or the mold from the environment during at least part of the molding process
Implementation Method 4
an inlet of a second valve is connected to a second accumulator under a second pressure and an outlet of the second valve is connected via a duct to a tuyere, the inlet of a first valve being connected to a first accumulator under a first pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A hollow body manufacturing machine comprising at least one mold within which hollow bodies can be produced by applying a pressurized medium, a valve unit having at least two valves, wherein an inlet of a second valve is connected to a second pressure accumulator under a second pressure and an outlet of the second valve is connected via a channel to a blow nozzle, wherein the inlet of a first valve is connected to a first pressure accumulator under a first pressure and the outlet of the first valve is also connected via a channel to the blow nozzle, wherein the blow nozzle seals the material to be formed and/or the mold from the environment during at least part of the forming process, wherein the first valve has a valve housing and a cavity is formed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet.within which the medium can pass through during the forming process and within which at least a part of a switching element is arranged, with which the first valve can be opened and closed, so that at least two flow paths for the medium, separated from each other by the material of the housing and/or the switching element, can be provided between the inlet and outlet of the first valve.