Compact Clipping Machine with Parallel Guiding Rods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clipping machines for partitioning and closing tubular packaging casings are bulky, heavy, and occupy significant space, making them difficult to integrate with other production machinery and transport.
Innovation Solution
A compact clipping machine design featuring axially arranged displacer element pairs with linear guidance and a rack-and-pinion drive mechanism, where guiding rods are positioned in parallel planes to minimize space usage and allow for closer placement to the filling tube, eliminating the need for a rotation axis and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional clipping machines are designed with traditional guidance and drive mechanisms, then they can perform the required partitioning and closing functions, but they occupy significant space and are bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second guiding rods into a single integrated component that serves dual functions: guiding both pairs of displacer elements simultaneously. The drive mechanism is positioned between the guiding rods and integrates the driving function for both pairs of displacer elements, reducing the overall number of separate components and minimizing the space required for the guidance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the first and second guiding rods in a plane parallel to the planes of the displacer element pairs, rather than using traditional perpendicular arrangements. This parallel plane configuration reduces the vertical space required for the guidance mechanism and allows for a more compact overall machine design.
2Volume of moving object
If the clipping machine is made more compact, then it occupies less space, but it becomes more difficult to integrate with other production machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clipping machine into modular components: the displacer element pairs, the guiding rods, and the drive mechanism. This segmentation allows the machine to be compact while maintaining standard interface points for integration with filling tubes and other production machinery. The modular design enables easy adaptation to different production line configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If the guiding rods are positioned in parallel planes, then the space occupied by the guidance is reduced, but the arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guidance functions for both pairs of displacer elements into a single integrated guiding rod structure. Instead of using separate guiding mechanisms for each pair, the first and second guiding rods are designed to simultaneously guide the first and second pairs of displacer elements, reducing the overall guidance system footprint while maintaining functional simplicity.
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 design reduces the overall space occupied by the machine, enables efficient use of space, and allows for easier handling and integration with other machinery, while maintaining the ability to produce plait-like portions and seal sausage products effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the first drive mechanism is formed as a rack-and-pinion-drive comprising at least a drive gear as well as at least a first and second linear bar gear
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clipping machine for partitioning and closing a tubular packaging casing accommodating a filing material, in particular sausage meat. The clipping machine comprises at least a first and second displacer element pair (30, 35) which in relation to an axis (A) of the tubular packaging casing are arranged axially one after the other, and, which comprise each an upper displacer element and a lower displacer element (32, 34, 36, 38). Each pair of the displacer elements (30, 35) are linearly reversibly movable in a first and second plane from an open position, in which the displacer elements (32, 34, 36, 38) are in a maximum displacement to each other, to a closed position, in which the displacer elements (32, 34, 36, 38) are in a nearly minimum displacement to each other. A first linear guidance (40) comprises at least a first and second guiding rod (55, 65) for guiding the two pairs of the displacer elements (30, 35) in the first and second plane during their reversible linear movement from the open position to the closed position, and a first drive mechanism (50) for reversibly moving both pairs of the displacer elements (30, 35) from the open position to the closed position. The first and second guiding rods (55, 65) are positioned in a plane parallel to the first and second plane of the first and second pairs of the displacer elements (30, 35).