Blister Pack Punching with Adjustable Slides for Fast Format Change

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing punching devices for blister packs struggle with precise punch guidance, adaptability to different formats, and efficient rejection of defective sections, leading to potential damage and time-consuming rework.

Innovation Solution

A die-cutting device with movable die-cutting elements and adjustable slides, driven by actuators or servo motors, allowing precise punch guidance and easy format adaptation, with adjustable adjustment units and spindles for independent control of each punch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If linear guides with very little lateral play are used to guide the punch, then punching precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of punch tilting beyond tolerance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching precisionVSAvoidguide system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the guide system dynamic by allowing the punch to be displaced horizontally relative to the die using adjustable stops and positioning mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different blister pack formats while maintaining precise punching, resolving the contradiction between fixed precision guidance and format versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the cutting gap is made narrow to protect punching elements from wear, then element durability is improved, but the difficulty of maintaining precise gap adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching element durabilityVSAvoidgap adjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the cutting gap with automated positioning systems using programmable controllers and electronic sensors. This substitution maintains the narrow cutting gap for element protection while eliminating the difficulty of precise manual gap adjustment, as the system automatically maintains the optimal gap through electronic control.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If both die-cutting elements are replaced when changing formats, then punching precision is maintained, but the loss of time for format changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching precisionVSAvoidformat change time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the die-cutting system into modular components where only the punch element needs to be replaced or adjusted for format changes, while the die can remain in place. This segmentation allows rapid format changes by replacing only the necessary component, maintaining punching precision through modular design while significantly reducing format change time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic positioning systems with adjustable stops and programmable controllers that allow the punch and die to be rapidly repositioned for different formats. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need to replace both elements during format changes, maintaining precision through controlled positioning while reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If manual rejection processes are used for defective blister sections, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidpackaging throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback systems using sensors and programmable controllers that detect defective blister sections and automatically control the punching mechanism to skip or reject defective areas. This feedback loop maintains high detection accuracy through electronic sensing while preserving productivity by automating the rejection process, eliminating manual intervention bottlenecks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4656339A1Punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister strip
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UHLMANN PAC SYST
  • EP4656339A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656339A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656339A1 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 several die-cutting punches (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. During operation of the die-cutting device, each die-cutting punch (8) is connected to at least one of a plurality of slides (19). In the rest state of the die-cutting device, the slides (19) are displaceable relative to the associated die-cutting punch (8) in a direction perpendicular to the die-cutting direction (S).