Clipping Machine Linear Guide Tool Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clip machines face instability and error during the closure process when using clips of different sizes due to uncontrollable torques and uneven loading, as the angular position of the closing tools changes, affecting the closure of clips of varying leg lengths and material thickness.

Innovation Solution

The second closing tool is arranged to move linearly relative to the first closing tool along a guide, with no adjustment for the rest position of the first closing tool, ensuring the first tool reaches its closed position before the second, and the second tool is moved with a time delay to maintain a consistent angular position, preventing torque-induced instability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rest position of the second closing tool is adjusted to accommodate clips of different sizes, then the adaptability to different clip dimensions is improved, but the angular position stability of the closing tools deteriorates, causing uncontrollable torques and uneven loading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different clip sizesVSAvoidangular position stability of closing tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The closing process is segmented into two independent phases: first the first closing tool closes the clip, then the second closing tool closes the other leg. This segmentation allows each tool to operate independently at its optimal angular position, eliminating the torque instability caused by simultaneous closing of both legs while maintaining adaptability to different clip sizes through independent positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first closing tool performs its closing action before the second closing tool begins its movement. This preliminary action ensures that the clip is stabilized after the first leg is closed, preventing unwanted torques and angular shifts when the second tool approaches, thereby maintaining angular position stability across different clip configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the closing tools are positioned to close clips of varying leg lengths, then the versatility for different products is improved, but the loading uniformity deteriorates, causing tilting and errors during closure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different productsVSAvoidloading uniformity during closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic timing control where the second closing tool is delayed in its movement until the first closing tool has completed its closing action. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different clip sizes and leg lengths while maintaining uniform loading, as each tool acts sequentially rather than simultaneously, preventing tilting and ensuring precise closure for diverse products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1736412B2Clipping machine
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 POLY CLIP SYST
  • EP1736412B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1736412B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1736412B2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a clip machine (100) with a closing lever (118), a first closing tool (124) which is arranged on the closing lever (118) and pivotable with it, a second closing tool (126, 226) wherein the first closing tool (124) and the second closing tool (126, 226) are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position for closing clips, with a drive control for the closing tools which is arranged such that first the first closing tool (124) and then the second closing tool (126, 226) is moved into the closed position, and with adjusting means arranged for adjusting the rest position of the second closing tool (126, 226) and thus the distance between the closing tools, in particular in their closed position (closing distance).The second closing tool (126, 226) is arranged to be movable along linear guide means (220) relative to the first closing tool (124).