Adjustable Cut-Sew Group for Horizontal Packaging Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horizontal packaging machines are inflexible and require significant downtime and specialized intervention to change the size of packs being produced, as they need to replace or reconfigure the cut-sew group to accommodate different pack lengths.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal packaging machine with a cut-sew group that includes multiple tools mounted on independently controlled shafts, allowing for automatic and immediate tool changes without machine stops or specialized personnel, enabling the production of packs of various sizes by selecting the appropriate tool through a control panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cut-sew group is replaced or reconfigured to accommodate different pack lengths, then the machine can produce packs of various sizes, but the machine stops for a long time and specialized intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-sew group is made dynamically adjustable through an electric motor-driven positioning system that moves the cut-sew tools along the conveyor belt direction. This allows the machine to adapt to different pack lengths by electronically controlling the position of the cut-sew group rather than requiring physical replacement or reconfiguration, thereby eliminating machine downtime and specialized intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut-sew group is designed with multi-functionality to handle various pack sizes within a single configuration. The system incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms and programmable control that enable the same cut-sew group to perform welding and cutting operations for different pack lengths, replacing the need for multiple dedicated cut-sew groups for different pack sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cut-sew group is replaced or reconfigured to accommodate different pack lengths, then the machine can produce packs of various sizes, but specialized personnel are required for intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated tool positioning and programmable control. The cut-sew group automatically adjusts its position and operational parameters based on pre-programmed settings for different pack sizes, eliminating the need for specialized personnel to manually reconfigure the system. The machine performs the adaptation automatically through electronic control and automated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical reconfiguration of the cut-sew group is replaced with an automated electric motor-driven positioning system controlled by a programmable logic controller. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with automated electronic control eliminates the need for specialized personnel and simplifies operation, as the system can be reconfigured through software programming rather than physical manipulation.
3Device complexity
If the cut-sew group position is fixed relative to the conveyor belt, then the machine structure is simple, but the machine cannot produce packs of different sizes without changing the set-up
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-sew group positioning system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. An electric motor-driven mechanism allows the cut-sew group to move along the conveyor belt direction, and the position is programmably controlled to match different pack lengths. This dynamic positioning capability enables pack size variability while adding only moderate structural complexity through the incorporation of motorized actuation and control systems.
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
The solution allows for efficient and flexible production of packs of different sizes without the need for machine stops or specialized interventions, significantly reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spatulas are heated by heating elements powered by the current supplied by the collectors
Implementation Method 2
The machine according to the present invention mounts a cut-sew group comprising two overlapping and facing rotating shafts which each carry the same plurality of cut and sew tools
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal packaging machine for packaging a product fed in a horizontal direction comprising a control panel and a cut-sew group to make on a packaging film transverse welds and a cut to close and separate from each other two successive packs. The cut-sew group comprises a plurality of cut and sew tools to make said transverse welds and the cut. The transverse welds define the edges of the packs according to different packaging sizes for said product. The horizontal packaging machine can change the size of the aforesaid packs simply by selecting through the control panel one of the cut and sew tools of the plurality present in the cut-sew group, and by positioning said cut-sew group so that the product to be packaged is fed at said cut and sew tool selected to make the packs according to a prefixed and set size through the control panel. The cut-sew group comprises an upper shaft and a lower shaft independently controlled in rotation by means of a respective upper motor and a respective lower motor. Each shaft mounts on it said plurality of cut and sew tools and wherein each cut and sew tool consists of an upper tool and a corresponding lower tool. Each cut and sew tool comprises one or more heat-sealing spatulas to make said transverse welds for closing the packs and one or more cutting elements to make said cut which mutually separates two successive packs.