Box Punching Machine with Internal Support for Precise Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing punching machines for box-shaped elements are complex, expensive, and lack precision and repeatability in producing through holes, often requiring special positioning and failing to effectively eliminate scraps.

Innovation Solution

A punching machine with a punch and counter-head system that allows automatic, precise, and repeatable production of through holes on vertical sides of box-shaped elements, using a counter-head to maintain the element in position and a suction device to remove scraps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex punching machines with special positioning means are used, then through holes can be made on box-shaped elements, but the device complexity increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision and repeatability of through hole productionVSAvoidcomplexity of punching machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the box-shaped element horizontally through complex positioning means, the invention inverts the approach by moving the punching head vertically downward onto the stationary box. The counter-head inserts inside the box to provide support, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms while maintaining punching precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential function of positioning from the complex positioning means by using the counter-head inserted inside the box-shaped element. The counter-head provides internal support and positioning at the punching location, removing the need for elaborate external positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If punching machines with rotation means are used, then through holes can be made on different sides, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to punch different sides of boxVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The punching head is designed with multi-functionality to perform punching operations on different sides of the box-shaped element without requiring rotation means. By positioning the punching head and counter-head appropriately, the same vertical punching mechanism can punch any side that is accessible, eliminating the need for complex rotation or repositioning systems.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If manual punching methods are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidproduction speed of through holes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The punching machine is designed for automatic operation where the punching head moves vertically to punch through the box-shaped element without requiring manual intervention for each punch. The system can automatically position and punch multiple holes, significantly increasing productivity compared to manual punching while keeping the device relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional punching machines are used, then through holes can be produced, but scrap elimination is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrough hole productionVSAvoidscrap from punching
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-head inserted inside the box-shaped element serves as an intermediary that supports the material during punching. This internal support structure allows for cleaner punching with better control over the punching process, improving scrap elimination by preventing material deformation and ensuring clean cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4204195B1Machine and method for punching a box-shaped element or suchlike
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 BARTOLI PACKAGING SRL
  • EP4204195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4204195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4204195B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b

AI summary

Machine for punching a box-shaped element (11), or suchlike, comprising at least one punching head (12) provided with at least one punch (13) and translatable in a direction (Al) toward or away from a substantially vertical side (14) of the box- shaped element (11) and at least one counter-head (15) that contrasts the punching head (12), wherein the side (14) of the box-shaped element (11) is positioned during use between the punching head (12) and the counter-head (15), wherein the counter-head (15) is configured to be inserted inside the box- shaped element (11) and to rest against an internal surface of the side (14) in order to maintain the box-shaped element (11) in position on a work plane (17), and wherein the punching head (12) is translated toward the counter-head (15) in the direction (Al) so as to perforate the side (14) by means of the punch (13) and make at least one through hole (18) therein.