Centring Device for Plastic Frame Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating containers from a plastic frame structure are prone to imprecision and damage, especially with small-volume containers, due to processing shrinkage in plastics materials, leading to increased rejection rates and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A centring device with clamping jaws and a pivotable pawl arrangement is used to precisely position the frame structure along predefinable cutting lines, ensuring accurate separation without damage by fixing the positioning aid between clamping parts and utilizing a compression spring for energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical positioning is used to separate containers from the frame structure, then separation can be performed, but processing shrinkage in plastics material causes imprecision and damage to containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the frame structure with positioning aids before the separation process begins. The conveying device positions the frame structure at predetermined locations, and the centring device further精确定位 it before cutting. This preliminary positioning compensates for processing shrinkage that occurs during separation, ensuring accurate cutting without damage to containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning aids as intermediary elements between the frame structure and the separating device. These positioning aids (such as positioning pins or marks on the frame structure) serve as mediators that enable precise alignment and positioning, allowing the separating device to accurately target cutting lines without direct mechanical contact causing damage.
2Measurement precision
If optical detection units are used for positioning, then positioning precision can be achieved, but the system becomes technically complex and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive positioning aids (such as molded-in marks, pins, or geometric features) instead of complex optical detection units. These simple positioning aids are integrated directly into the frame structure or applied to it, providing sufficient precision for the separation process without requiring expensive cameras, lasers, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex optical systems and implements it through simple mechanical positioning aids. By removing the need for optical detection and using straightforward mechanical positioning elements, the system achieves the required precision while significantly reducing technical complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If cutting blades are used for separation, then containers can be separated from the frame structure, but energy consumption increases and wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary positioning actions to ensure that cutting blades follow predetermined cutting lines accurately. By pre-positioning the frame structure and defining precise cutting paths, the system minimizes energy consumption and reduces blade wear through optimized cutting trajectories, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure from misalignment and repositioning.
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 solution enables precise, low-wear, and reliable separation of containers along predefinable cutting lines, reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste, while avoiding tilting of separation tools for long-lasting device operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a compression spring for energy-efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device for separating individual or multiple container products from a frame structure which is made from plastic material and comprises at least one side strip which can be moved along a transport direction by means of a conveying device which acts on individual positioning aids of the side strip, wherein at least one positioning aid is fixed in a clamping manner by means of a centring device before the separation is carried out.