Deep-Drawn Can Transfer by Vertical Lifting of Irregular Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deep-drawing devices face issues with irregular flange shapes, such as crown formation or earing, causing jamming and production interruptions during the transport of workpieces between deep-drawing stations.

Innovation Solution

The workpieces are lifted upwards from the drawing core after completion of a deep-drawing process, positioning the flange edge above the transport surface, allowing grippers to transport them without sliding, using ejection devices like compressed air or vacuum to maintain a defined vertical position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If workpieces are transported on the transport surface between deep-drawing stations, then the transport process is simple and efficient, but irregular flange shapes cause jamming and production interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidtransport reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the workpiece from horizontal transport on a surface to vertical suspension transport. By lifting the workpiece vertically above the transport surface and suspending it from grippers, the flange irregularities no longer contact the transport surface, eliminating jamming while maintaining efficient transport through vertical movement between stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the flange shape is irregular due to crown formation or earing, then the deep-drawing process is complete, but the workpiece jams during transport between stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeep-drawing completionVSAvoidjamming during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the workpiece from the transport surface by lifting it vertically and suspending it from grippers. This separation removes the harmful interaction between the irregular flange and the transport surface, allowing the deep-drawing process to complete successfully without subsequent jamming issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If workpieces slide on the transport surface, then transport is straightforward, but flange irregularities cause production interruptions and scrap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport simplicityVSAvoidscrap rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sliding mechanical contact system with a suspension system. Instead of the workpiece sliding on the transport surface, it is vertically suspended from grippers during transport, eliminating friction and jamming while maintaining operational simplicity through vertical positioning and retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method prevents jamming and ensures smooth transport of workpieces between stations, reducing production interruptions and scrap by maintaining a consistent vertical position during transport.

Implementation Method 1

using ejection devices like compressed air or vacuum to maintain a defined vertical position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

using ejection devices like compressed air or vacuum to maintain a defined vertical position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4631641A1Device and method for deep-drawing of cup-shaped workpieces
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SAETA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4631641A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4631641A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4631641A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for deep-drawing cup-shaped workpieces in several deep-drawing processes to form cans, in particular beverage cans or food cans.