Blister Pack Punch Assembly for Precise Guidance and Defect Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing punching devices for blister packs fail to ensure precise punch guidance and often produce defective blister packs that require a separate rejection process, leading to inefficiencies and errors in automated packaging.

Innovation Solution

A die-cutting device with reciprocally movable die-cutting elements, featuring precise alignment through punch assembly stops, bushings, and adjustable pneumatic cylinders to selectively exclude defective sections, ensuring only defect-free blister packs are punched and fed into subsequent processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If linear guides with minimal lateral play are used to guide the punch, then punch guidance precision is improved, but the risk of punch tilting and direct contact with the die increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunch guidance precisionVSAvoidrisk of punch tilting and mechanical damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance function is segmented into two independent systems: linear guides provide precise lateral positioning, while die guides provide vertical positioning and tilting prevention. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in one aspect of guidance without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Die guides act as an intermediary element between the punch and the die, providing an additional guidance mechanism that prevents direct contact and mechanical damage while maintaining precise punch guidance through the linear guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a narrow cutting gap is maintained between punch and die, then punching precision is improved, but the punching force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching precisionVSAvoidpunching force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The air cushion acts as an intermediary between the punch and die, allowing them to be positioned closer together while maintaining the necessary cutting gap. The air pressure distribution enables precise positioning without requiring excessive punching force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Pneumatic fields are used to provide contactless guidance and positioning, reducing the mechanical forces required for maintaining the cutting gap while improving punching precision through controlled air pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If contactless guidance using pneumatic fields is implemented, then mechanical wear is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of mechanical wearVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic field generation system serves multiple functions: it provides contactless guidance, prevents mechanical wear, and enables precise positioning. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanical guidance systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical guidance systems are replaced with pneumatic field-based contactless guidance, eliminating mechanical wear and the need for precise mechanical tolerances while reducing the number of moving parts and mechanical components.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If defective sections are excluded from punching, then product quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Defective sections are identified and marked before the punching process begins, allowing the control system to pre-calculate and prepare the adjusted punching path. This preliminary detection and planning minimizes the time penalty during actual punching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The punching system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected defects, selectively modifying the punching path in real-time while maintaining continuous processing of non-defective sections. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between quality and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4656340A1Punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister strip
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UHLMANN PAC SYST
  • EP4656340A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656340A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656340A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The die-cutting device for punching blister packs (1) from a blister strip (2) comprises at least a first and a second die-cutting element (5, 6). The first die-cutting element (5) has at least one die (8) and the second die-cutting element (6) has a die (14). The first die-cutting element (5) is reciprocally movable in a die-cutting direction (S) such that the die-cutting device alternately assumes an open position and a closed position. The first die-cutting element (5) has a plurality of die assemblies (9), each of which comprises a die (8), an actuating plate (10), and a plurality of die guides (12) extending between and connected to the die (8) and the actuating plate (10), the die guides (12) passing through a base plate (25) of the first die-cutting element (5).The base plate (25) of the first punching element (5) has a punch package stop (24) which is in contact with the actuating plate (10) in an operating position of the punching punch (8).