Curved Transport Path for U-Shape Clip Closing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for tubular packaging, such as sausage production, face limitations in achieving high production speeds due to the noise and wear associated with linear movements of closing tools and transport units, particularly when handling isolated U-shaped clips that require non-linear transport paths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transport unit with a curved, preferably circular arc path, allowing for low-mass drives that can be quickly accelerated, and closing tools with arcuate movements, where both are driven by a single drive shaft, enabling higher cycle rates and improved clip handling without damaging the clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If linear movements of closing tools and transport units are used, then the device structure is simple, but the production speed is limited and noise and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved (arcuate) movement paths for both the transport unit and closing tools instead of linear movements. The transport unit moves along a curved path to deliver clips to the closing position, and the closing tools follow arcuate trajectories during the closing operation. This curvature allows for smoother acceleration and deceleration, reducing mechanical shocks, noise, and wear while enabling higher production speeds through more efficient cyclic motion.
2Device complexity
If a single drive shaft is used to drive both transport unit and closing tools, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coordination of movements becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single drive shaft that simultaneously drives both the transport unit and the closing tools. This merging of drive mechanisms reduces the overall number of motors and drive components, simplifying the device structure. The curved movement paths are designed to be synchronized through this common drive, ensuring proper coordination without requiring complex independent control systems.
3Speed
If low-mass drives are used for curved movements, then the acceleration capability and production speed are improved, but the drive precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved (arcuate) movement paths for the transport unit and closing tools, which enable smoother acceleration and deceleration compared to linear movements. This curvature allows low-mass drives to achieve higher cycle rates while maintaining control precision. The geometric constraints of the curved paths naturally guide the components through precise trajectories, ensuring accurate clip placement even with lighter, faster-capable drive mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The device has a locking tool (3) for exerting force on a clip leg and another locking tool (4) for exerting force on a clip back. The locking tools are arranged on each other to move along a locking path into a locking position. A transport unit (5) is arranged to transport an isolated clip (2) from a feeding position along a transport path to the closing position. The transport unit is movable relative to both locking tools. The transport path, along which the transport unit transports the clip, is not linear.