Adjustable Conveyor Gaps for Arc-Processing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding box gluing machines face challenges in configuring transport gaps variably to accommodate different applications, such as line camera imaging and additional processing like embossing or scoring, which requires minimizing gaps for safe transportation.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with adjustable upper and lower conveyor devices, featuring spring-mounted rollers and deflection rollers, allowing for telescopic movement and adjustable length to accommodate various tools and processing needs, ensuring safe and flexible sheet material handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conveyor is made telescopic to create variable gaps for tools and processing, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconveyor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor bar is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted in length. The roller rail bar and roller cheek bar each consist of modular sections that can be reconfigured to create different gap sizes, allowing variable tool positioning without requiring complete conveyor redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system incorporates telescopic capabilities with adjustable bars that can dynamically change length and position. Deflection rollers are mounted on adjustable mechanisms allowing real-time modification of conveyor geometry to accommodate different processing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the gap is minimized for safe transportation, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability for different tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe material transportationVSAvoidtool accommodation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system allows dynamic adjustment of gap size based on operational requirements. When not accommodating tools, the bars are positioned to minimize gaps for safe material transport. When tools are installed, the bars can be extended to provide adequate space, and this configuration can be changed between production runs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular bar structure enables selective extension of specific sections to create gaps only where tools are installed, while maintaining minimal gaps in other sections for reliable material transportation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables flexible configuration of transport gaps to accommodate different tools and processing requirements, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of sheet-like materials in folding box gluing machines.

Implementation Method 1

Seen in the conveying direction 25, the first upper conveying device 21 has a roller rail strip 29 to which a plurality of resiliently fastened conveying rollers 24 are fastened.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The conveying means are designed as conveyor belts or conveyor chains.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2423137B1Transport device
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP2423137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2423137B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2423137B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport device (20) for transporting flat, arc-shaped material through one or more processing stations of an arc-processing machine. The transport device (20) has at least one upper (21) and lower (22) conveying unit with contacting conveying elements. The upper and lower conveying units (21, 22) are mounted so that their lengths can be freely adjusted.