Cardboard Strip Aligning Assembly for Distortion-Free Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corrugated cardboard production systems face issues with misalignment of the median axis of the continuous strip, leading to unsuitable dimensions and shapes in the final product due to skidding, imperfections, and mechanical tolerances, which current solutions like swivel rollers and slitter scorers cause further distortions.
Innovation Solution
An aligning assembly with a selectively movable dragging device and actuator system, comprising rollers and guides, adjusts the orientation of the continuous strip to align with the median axis of the sliding plane, using a control system for precise alignment before cutting and creasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If swivel rollers or wheels are used at the outlet of the double backer to realign the continuous strip, then the median axis alignment is improved, but ripples or creases are created on the papers due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator element (the aligning device with adjustable rollers) that indirectly realigns the continuous strip without direct friction-based contact. The rollers are positioned to guide the strip's median axis back to alignment with the sliding plane's median axis through a mechanism that minimizes surface friction and prevents ripple formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional friction-based swivel roller mechanism with an adjusted roller configuration that uses minimal contact pressure and optimized roller orientation to achieve realignment. This substitution reduces the harmful friction effects while maintaining the realignment function.
2Manufacturing precision
If a slitter scorer is mounted on wheels to displace the continuous strip for correct cutting and creasing, then the cutting accuracy is improved, but the continuous strip is displaced further causing additional distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary realignment action at the outlet of the double backer before the continuous strip enters the cutting and creasing station. By correcting the median axis alignment in advance, the subsequent cutting and creasing operations can be performed on properly aligned material without requiring additional displacement that would cause distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligning device is integrated into the existing production line infrastructure, utilizing the same sliding plane and roller system already present in the double backer. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate displacement mechanisms that would further distort the continuous strip.
3Productivity
If the median axis of the continuous strip is not aligned with the median axis of the sliding plane, then the production process continues, but the cut and creased corrugated cardboard has unwanted and unsuitable dimensions and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the alignment status of the continuous strip's median axis relative to the sliding plane's median axis is continuously monitored. Based on this feedback, the aligning device automatically adjusts the roller positions to correct any misalignment, ensuring that the continuous strip remains properly aligned throughout the production process and preventing dimensional errors in the final product.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aligning assembly of a continuous strip of cardboard comprises a dragging device (30), elongated along a median axis (X0-X0) and configured to drag a continuous strip of corrugated cardboard (5) having a predetermined direction of advancement (X1-X1), and at least one actuator connected to the dragging device (30), configured to change the orientation of the median axis (X0-X0) and, thus, the orientation of the direction of advancement (X1-X1) of the continuous strip of corrugated cardboard (5).