Deep Drawing Conveyor With Moving Vacuum Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges with vacuum control due to relative movement of format plates, leading to frictional forces, flow losses, and difficulty in maintaining desired vacuum levels, which affect drive power, positioning accuracy, and conveyor chain lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A closed, circulating vacuum system is implemented where plate elements are permanently connected via vacuum lines, with switching valves allowing seamless transition between mold and holding vacuums, eliminating friction and ensuring consistent vacuum supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary vacuum device is used with continuously moving format plates, then vacuum can be applied to the mold cavities, but frictional forces increase and drive power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the vacuum device stationary and the format plates move past it (creating friction), the patent inverts the approach by making the vacuum device move with the format plates. The vacuum device is mounted on the conveyor chain and moves synchronously with the format plates, eliminating relative movement and friction between the vacuum connection and the format plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum device serves itself by being integrated into the moving conveyor system. The vacuum connections are established and maintained automatically as the format plates move through the processing stations, without requiring separate stationary vacuum ports or complex sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If stationary vacuum devices are used with moving format plates, then vacuum can be maintained, but positioning accuracy decreases due to chain stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the vacuum device with the format plates rather than keeping it stationary. This synchronization ensures that the vacuum connections remain constant and do not suffer from positioning errors caused by chain stretching or mechanical play in stationary connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum device is merged with the moving conveyor system, becoming an integrated part of the format plate assembly. This combination ensures that the vacuum connections move together with the format plates, maintaining precise positioning throughout the processing cycle.
3Reliability
If high friction forces are overcome in the vacuum system, then vacuum can be applied, but conveyor chain lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the vacuum device with the format plates rather than having it stationary, the patent eliminates the sliding friction that would otherwise occur between the vacuum connections and the moving format plates. This significantly reduces wear on the conveyor chain and extends its service life.
4Reliability
If relative movement occurs between format plates and vacuum channel, then vacuum can be applied sequentially, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms by moving the vacuum device with the format plates. This removes the relative movement that would require sealing agents and complex sealing arrangements, simplifying the overall device design.
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 provides a virtually leak-free vacuum system with reduced mechanical stress, lower drive power requirements, and increased vacuum levels, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a deep-drawing device (5) having a forming station (4) which is moved synchronously with the respective format plate (14)
Implementation Method 2
The relative movement of the format plate elements (14) relative to the stationary vacuum channel generates high frictional forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermoforming arrangement for thermoforming a continuously fed film web (1). The thermoforming arrangement comprises a conveyor (10) continuously rotating around a stationary machine frame (3) with plate elements (14, 14') and with forming cavities (15), and a cyclically timed thermoforming device (5), wherein the forming cavities (15) can be pressurized with a vacuum. The plate elements (14, 14') are permanently connected to one another via connecting lines (16). One plate element (14') is designed as a connecting element with at least one vacuum connection (17). The vacuum connection (17) is connected to a vacuum source (18). During operation, the plate elements (14, 14') are permanently pressurized with a vacuum via the connecting lines (16) and the vacuum connection (17).Each plate element (14, 14') has at least one switching valve (19) for the demand-dependent application of the vacuum permanently present in the plate element (14, 14') to the associated mold cavities (15).