Container Trimmer Spindle Adjustment for Fast Diameter Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container trimming machines require extensive and costly adjustments to accommodate containers of varying diameters, involving precise adjustments of blades and multiple component changes, which complicates the change-over process and increases setup time and costs.
Innovation Solution
The trimmer device features a modular design with adjustable spindles and gears that allow for easy adaptation to different container diameters without the need to change gears, using a cartridge assembly and mounting block system to align and fix spindles, enabling precise trimming with fewer parts and reduced setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing trimming machines use fixed blade positions and standard gear sets, then they can trim containers of a specific diameter, but they require extensive component changes and precise adjustments to accommodate different container diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable blade positions and interchangeable gear sets that allow the trimming machine to dynamically adapt to different container diameters. The mounting blocks can be repositioned along the spindle, and different gear sets can be exchanged to modify the trimming parameters, enabling the same machine to handle various container sizes without requiring complete disassembly or complex realignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming machine is divided into modular components including interchangeable gear sets, adjustable mounting blocks, and separable blade assemblies. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently adjusted or replaced based on the specific container diameter being trimmed, reducing the overall complexity of adaptation while maintaining versatility
2Manufacturing precision
If existing trimming machines require precise blade adjustments of about 0.025mm or less for different diameters, then trimming precision is maintained, but the change-over process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pre-configured gear sets and mounting block positions are prepared in advance for different container diameter ranges. This preliminary preparation allows operators to quickly switch between pre-set configurations rather than performing time-consuming precise adjustments from scratch, maintaining 0.025mm precision while significantly reducing change-over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standardized adjustment increments and pre-defined mounting block positions that correspond to specific container diameter ranges. By changing discrete parameters (gear set selection, mounting block position) rather than making continuous fine adjustments, the system maintains high precision while simplifying the change-over process and reducing setup time
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing trimming machines require substantial component changes for different diameters, then adaptability is achieved, but costs increase due to multiple parts and extended setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming machine is designed with universal mounting blocks and standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple container diameters using the same basic components. By making components multi-functional through adjustable positions and interchangeable but standardized gear sets, the system reduces the total number of unique parts needed, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining high adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A trimmer device includes an inner mounting block having a first central aperture for receiving a turret shaft. The inner mounting block has an inner bore. The device includes an outer mounting block having a second central aperture for receiving the turret shaft. The outer mounting block has at least one outer bore. The device includes an inner trimmer spindle positioned through the inner bore. A first end of the inner trimmer spindle includes a pilot having an inner spindle blade. The device further includes an outer trimmer spindle positioned through the outer bore. The outer trimmer spindle includes an outer spindle blade positioned at a first end. At least one of the inner mounting block or the outer mounting block is rotatable about the turret shaft to adjust for a diameter of an article such that the article is positioned between the inner and outer spindle blades for trimming.