Corrugated Cardboard Tool Drive Using an Eccentric Motion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cardboard processing machines are energy-inefficient and require complex thermal management systems due to the use of linear motors and pneumatic drives, leading to high energy consumption and maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A machining device utilizing an eccentric unit with a drive shaft and control discs to convert rotary movements into translational movements, allowing tools to move between machining and rest positions with minimal energy consumption by adjusting the swivel angle and torque, eliminating the need for additional gear units or mechanical couplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If linear motors or pneumatic drives are used to move tools between rest and machining positions, then the tools can be positioned and held in place, but energy consumption increases and thermal management systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool positioning precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using a cam mechanism that converts continuous rotational motion into periodic reciprocating motion. The cam rotates continuously, periodically lifting the tool to the machining position and lowering it to the rest position, eliminating the need for energy-intensive linear motors or pneumatic drives that must continuously apply force to maintain position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical/pneumatic drive system (linear motors or pneumatic actuators) with a mechanical cam-follower system. The cam mechanism uses geometric shape and rotational motion to automatically provide the required tool movement and positioning, substituting complex electrical/pneumatic control with simple mechanical motion transformation.

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

2Reliability

If linear motors or pneumatic drives are used to hold tools in machining position, then stable machining is achieved, but significant energy is consumed continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining stabilityVSAvoidcontinuous energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring-loaded follower that acts as a counterweight system. The spring provides continuous mechanical force to maintain the tool in the machining position against gravitational and cutting forces, eliminating the need for energy-consuming electromagnetic or pneumatic holding forces while ensuring machining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the tool in the machining position through its geometric profile and the spring-loaded follower. The system serves itself by using the rotational motion and mechanical geometry to provide both movement and positioning without requiring continuous external energy input or active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If complex thermal management systems are added to manage heat from electric drives, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive temperature controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electric/pneumatic drive systems that generate heat requiring thermal management with a mechanical cam-follower system. The cam mechanism transforms rotational motion into reciprocating motion through geometric design, eliminating heat-generating electrical components and the complex cooling systems they would require.

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

4Ease of operation

If pneumatic drives are used for tool movement, then simple actuation is achieved, but positioning precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation simplicityVSAvoidtool positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic actuation with a mechanical cam-follower system. The cam's geometric profile precisely defines the tool's motion path and positioning, providing both the simplicity of automatic actuation through rotation and the precision of mechanical geometry, overcoming the positioning imprecision inherent in pneumatic systems.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device operates with high precision and efficiency, reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements while enabling accurate processing of corrugated cardboard and other materials into boxes, with the ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

an eccentric comprises a drive shaft to which at least one control disc (also called eccentric disc) is attached, the center of which lies outside the shaft axis, thereby enabling the conversion of rotary (torsional) movements into translational (lengthwise) movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4684930A1Processing apparatus for corrugated cardboard
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HOMAG AUTOMATION
  • EP4684930A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3b
  • EP4684930A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5b
  • EP4684930A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A machining device for machining a workpiece, which preferably consists at least partially of corrugated cardboard, comprising a drive unit which is configured to move at least one tool or two tools between a machining position and a rest position, characterized in that the drive unit drives at least one eccentric unit which rotates the at least one tool or the two tools between the machining position and the rest position, preferably by 30 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably by 90 degrees.