Caulking Tool for Simultaneous Flange Folding in Sheet Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for items like food products using half-shells are inefficient as they typically require manual caulking of flange edges, which is time-consuming and not suitable for high productivity or in-line packaging of multiple items.
Innovation Solution
A caulking device and apparatus that allows simultaneous caulking of multiple items by using a caulking tool with vertical and horizontal movement capabilities to fold and upset flange edges, enabling in-line packaging and high productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual caulking of flange edges is used, then packaging quality can be maintained, but productivity is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The caulking device performs the caulking operation automatically without manual intervention. The device moves along the flange edges and performs folding and upsetting operations autonomously, eliminating the need for manual caulking while maintaining packaging quality and significantly increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical caulking with an automated mechanical system. The caulking device uses mechanical means (folding elements, upsetting elements) to perform the caulking operation automatically, substituting human labor with automated machinery to achieve high-speed continuous packaging
2Productivity
If traditional sequential packaging methods are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations (caulking, folding, upsetting) into a single integrated device that performs all these operations in one continuous motion along the flange edges. This merging of functions into one apparatus achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The caulking device is designed to move dynamically along the flange edges rather than being a static tool. The device can traverse the length of the flanges and perform operations at different positions, enabling continuous high-speed packaging while maintaining a relatively simple apparatus structure through dynamic operation
3Productivity
If in-line continuous packaging is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caulking device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform caulking, folding, and upsetting operations in sequence. This universal device handles multiple packaging requirements with a single apparatus, enabling continuous in-line packaging without requiring separate dedicated machines for each operation, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
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
Enables efficient and continuous packaging of items with complex or asymmetrical shapes by simultaneously caulking multiple items, increasing productivity and handling various forms without the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a caulking tool (36) which can be brought into contact with a support (12) and which is subject to a vertical movement and to a horizontal movement
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~7b
AI summary
Device and apparatus for wrapping an item (P) in a casing formed by a pair of half-shells (2, 4) of sheeted material with a shape matching respective portions of the outer surface of said item (P) where said half-shells (2, 4) are provided with a respective flange (5, 7) surrounding the respective mouth contour and said flanges (5, 7) are connected together by folding and/or upsetting in such a way as to jointly define said casing, comprising a tool provided with an opening (38) with a profile (40) homologous and widened with respect to the perimeter profile defined by the distal end (5a, 7a) of said flanges (5, 7), said tool (36) being mobile in a direction orthogonal to the plane on which the proximal portion (5b, 7b) of said flanges (5, 7) lies, and also being mobile parallel to the plane of said proximal portion of the flanges, motor means (42) being envisaged arranged to position said caulking tool (36) with the profile (40) of said opening (38) in a surrounding relationship with said angled distal portion (5a, 7a) of said flanges (5, 7) and to bring a section of the profile (40) of said opening (38) into contact with a homologous section of the perimeter profile defined by said angled distal portion of said flanges (5, 7) and to cause a movement of approach towards said item (P) of said section of the profile of said opening (38) in contact with said distal portion (7a) to make it fold further on said proximal portion (5b, 7b) and to repeat the aforesaid operations on further sections of the profile of the distal portion (5a, 7a) of said flanges (5, 7).