Adjustable Blister Pack Punching for Defect Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing punching devices for blister packs fail to selectively exclude defective portions from further processing, leading to time-consuming ejection and potential errors in automated packaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A punching device with adjustable punches and a die, utilizing pneumatic cylinders for precise control, allowing selective punching of defect-free blister packs by moving punches between operating and offset positions, ensuring only high-quality packs are processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If punches are moved into the die for punching blister packs, then blister packs are punched out from the blister strip, but defective portions cannot be excluded and require time-consuming ejection later
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of defects in the blister strip before the punching operation. When a defect is detected, the corresponding punch is preemptively deactivated or repositioned to the offset position, preventing the defective portion from being punched out in the first place. This eliminates the need for subsequent ejection operations and ensures only defect-free blister packs are produced.
2Manufacturing precision
If punches are guided by linear guides with very small lateral play, then precise punching is achieved, but any tilt causes direct contact between punch and die, damaging the components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the linear guide and the punch. It provides an additional degree of freedom that allows the punch to be precisely positioned in the cutting gap while accommodating minor misalignments or tilts without causing direct contact between the punch and die. This mediator absorbs potential harmful interactions while maintaining punching precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment unit introduces dynamic adaptability to the previously static punch-die system. By allowing the punch position to be dynamically adjusted in the punching direction, the system can compensate for lateral play or tilting movements, maintaining precise cutting while preventing damage from direct contact between punching elements.
3Force
If punches are kept in direct contact with the die, then punching force is maximized, but wear and damage to punching elements occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing direct contact between punch and die only at the precise cutting interface where punching force is needed, while the adjustment unit and linear guide provide support and alignment without requiring continuous contact. This localized contact maximizes punching force while minimizing wear through the narrow cutting gap design.
Data Source
AI summary
A punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister strip having at least a first and a second punching element. The first punching element has at least one punch and the second punching element has a die. The first punching element is movable back and forth in a punching direction so that the punching device alternately assumes an open position and a closed position. At least one adjustment unit is associated with the punch and is configured to move the punch in the punching direction between an operating position and an offset position so that the punch is arranged further away from the second punching element in the offset position than in the operating position. The at least one adjustment unit has a force transmission element, which is adjustable in the punching direction in order to move the punch between the operating position and the offset position.