Blister Pack Punching with Selective Die Offset and Tilt Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing punching devices for blister packs fail to effectively reject defective sections and ensure precise punch guidance, leading to potential damage and non-compliant blister packs entering subsequent packaging steps.

Innovation Solution

A die-cutting device with movable die-cutting elements and adjustable units that allow selective die-cutting, ensuring only defect-free blister packs are produced by positioning punches in an operating or offset position based on quality assurance detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the punch is precisely guided by linear guides with very little lateral play, then the punching precision is improved, but the risk of lateral tilting and direct contact between punch and die increases, causing damage to punching elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching precisionVSAvoidpunching element durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tilting mechanism that allows the punch to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the die. Instead of rigid linear guides that constrain the punch to a fixed path, the punch can tilt within a controlled range to accommodate lateral deviations in the blister strip, preventing direct contact with the die while maintaining punching precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the punching system by introducing variable angles between the punch and die. The punch is no longer constrained to move in a strictly linear path but can adjust its angular position, allowing it to compensate for strip deviations and maintain the cutting gap without direct contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If defective sections of the blister strip are punched out as blister packs, then the continuous packaging process is maintained, but a separate subsequent rejection process is necessary which is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging process continuityVSAvoidrejection process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary quality inspection before the punching operation. A quality assurance system scans the blister strip and identifies defective sections ahead of time. Based on this information, the punching device selectively skips defective areas, preventing them from being punched out as blister packs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate rejection processes later in the workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the cutting gap between punch and die is precisely adjusted, then the blister packaging is sheared off without burrs, but the cutting gap is vulnerable to wear from direct contact and requires precise maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting qualityVSAvoidpunching element maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic tilting mechanism that prevents direct contact between the punch and die by allowing the punch to angle away from the die when lateral deviations occur. This dynamic adjustment maintains the cutting gap integrity without requiring precise mechanical constraints, reducing wear and maintenance needs while preserving cutting quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4656341A1Punching device for punching out blister packs from a blister strip
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UHLMANN PAC SYST
  • EP4656341A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656341A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656341A1 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 die-cutting device further comprises at least one adjustment unit (17) assigned to each die (8), which is configured to move the die (8), in addition to moving the at least one die-cutting element (5, 6), in the die-cutting direction (S) between an operating position and an offset position such that the die (8) is positioned further away from the second die-cutting element (6) in the offset position than in the operating position.The at least one adjusting unit (17) has a force transmission element (32) which is adjustable in the punching direction (S) in order to move the punching die (8) between the operating position and the offset position.