Bagging Machine Constraint Device for Auxiliary Element Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic bagging machines face challenges in efficiently adjusting auxiliary elements near the forming tube, leading to downtime, require specialized tools and personnel, and suffer from inaccuracies in repositioning due to imprecise slots on the flange.

Innovation Solution

A constraint device for auxiliary elements that allows for adjustment without disconnecting from the forming tube, utilizing tracks and a locking system for rapid repositioning, and optionally incorporating sensors and control electronics for automated adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary elements are screwed to a support flange and moved through slots for adjustment, then the auxiliary elements can be adjusted for different sheet thicknesses and maintenance, but the displacement requires disconnecting and reconnecting which causes downtime and requires specialized tools and personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of auxiliary elementsVSAvoiddowntime for adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary element is designed with a movable body that can slide along the forming tube within a constrained range, transitioning from a fixed screwed connection to a dynamic adjustable position. The body includes a constraint face that maintains contact with the forming tube while allowing positional adjustment, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect the element during maintenance or calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary element is segmented into a body portion with a constraint face and an adjustment mechanism. The constraint face remains engaged with the forming tube while the body can be repositioned along the tube surface, allowing independent adjustment without complete disconnection. This segmentation enables partial detachment for position change while maintaining overall connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary elements are unscrewed and re-screwed on the flange, then adjustment for different conditions is possible, but specialized tools such as Allen screws and feeler gauges are required and intervention by maintenance personnel is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration capabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary element incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism where the body can be directly repositioned along the forming tube by the operator without requiring external tools. The constraint face automatically maintains engagement with the forming tube during adjustment, and the element can be locked into position without needing specialized instruments or maintenance personnel intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If slots are provided on the flange for moving auxiliary elements, then adjustment is enabled, but the slots are not precise guides and induce fixing inaccuracies which complicate realignment with the forming tube

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imprecise slot-based mechanical guide is replaced with a constraint face that directly contacts the forming tube surface. This contact-based positioning system provides precise alignment by using the forming tube itself as the reference surface, eliminating the need for separate guide slots and their associated positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3950514B1Bagging machine
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 OCM SRL
  • EP3950514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3950514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3950514B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

It is provided a bagging machine (1), comprising a constraint device (5) for auxiliary elements (2) of sheets on a forming tube (3) comprising a flange (4) transversal to the working direction of the forming tube (3), wherein the flange (4) is provided with a plurality of tracks (41) lying on the flange (4), wherein the tracks (41) can be connected with freedom of movement to the auxiliary elements (2), and wherein the device (5) comprises adjustment means (21) of the position of the auxiliary elements (2) on the tracks (41).