Asynchronous Forming Plates for Precise Pourable Package Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package forming apparatuses and packaging machines for pourable products, such as Tetra Brik Aseptic packages, require improvements in efficiency and precision for forming, sealing, and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A package forming apparatus with asynchronous movement of main and lateral forming plates, controlled by a shaft and lever mechanisms, allows precise control over package volume and formation, including transverse sealing and cutting, within a sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If synchronous movement of main and lateral forming plates is used, then the structure is simpler, but the precision of package volume control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asynchronous movement where the main forming plate and lateral forming plate move at different speeds and timings. The main forming plate moves first to define the basic package volume, then the lateral forming plate moves to finalize the shape. This dynamic sequencing allows precise volume control while managing structural complexity through coordinated motion control.
2Manufacturing precision
If more operative devices are added for precise forming, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic cyclic movement of the forming plates where each plate follows a predetermined motion cycle. The main forming plate completes its movement cycle, then the lateral forming plate follows with its cycle. This periodic action ensures precise forming while maintaining continuous production flow and high productivity through rhythmic, coordinated operations.
3Measurement precision
If complex control mechanisms are used for asynchronous movement, then ease of operation deteriorates, but measurement precision improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position and movement of the forming plates, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system adjusts the asynchronous movement in real-time to achieve precise package volume control. This feedback loop maintains measurement precision while the automated control system manages the complexity of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a package forming apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1) comprising an operative device (25) having a first operative group (26) and a second operative group (27). Each first operative group (26) and each second operative group (27) comprises a respective half-shell (28) and a control device (29). Each half-shell (28) comprises a main forming plate (30) and two lateral forming plates (31). Each main forming plate (30) is angularly movable about a first rotation axis (B) and between a first angular position and a second angular position and each lateral forming plate (31) is angularly movable about a second rotation axis (C) and between a third angular position and a fourth angular position. Each control device (29) is configured to actuate the angular movement of the respective main forming plate (30) from the first angular position to the second angular position and the angular movement of the respective lateral forming plates (31) from the respective third angular positions to the respective fourth angular positions asynchronously.