Dual Suction Arm Segmentation for Blister Pack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices for blister packs from a stamping station to a conveying means are inefficient and lack precision, affecting the overall throughput of the packaging machine.
Innovation Solution
A dual suction arm system with pivotable segments, where each suction arm comprises a first, second, and third segment, allowing for a combination movement that includes pivoting, rotational, and vertical movements to pick up and place blister packs from above, enabling horizontal feeding and stamping, thus enhancing the packaging process efficiency and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single suction arm is used to transfer blister packs, then the device structure is simpler, but the transfer efficiency and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can move independently around different axes. This segmentation allows the arm to achieve complex transfer motions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple movement functions (pivoting around first axis, pivoting around second axis, rotational movement around third axis) into a single integrated suction arm system. This merging of functions into one coordinated mechanism improves transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the suction arm uses multiple segments with multiple axes of movement, then the transfer precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm employs dynamic multi-axis movement capabilities where each segment can pivot and rotate independently. This dynamic structure allows precise positioning of the suction element at various locations and orientations, achieving high transfer precision while the modular segment design keeps the overall mechanism manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement in multiple spatial dimensions through the first axis (pivoting), second axis (pivoting), and third axis (rotation). This multi-dimensional movement capability enables precise three-dimensional positioning of blister packs, significantly improving transfer precision without requiring an overly complex mechanism.
3Reliability
If the suction arms move in opposite directions, then the collision between arms is avoided, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two suction arms are configured to move in opposite directions along their respective paths. This asymmetric movement pattern, where arms diverge and converge in a coordinated manner, naturally prevents collision between the arms during operation, improving reliability while the symmetric nature of the opposite movements actually simplifies the control logic.
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 dual suction arm system improves the transfer efficiency and precision of blister packs, allowing for a more compact and efficient packaging process by enabling horizontal feeding and stamping, reducing the need for separate drives and optimizing space at the stamping station.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction element for picking up and holding a blister pack is arranged on the third segment
Data Source
AI summary
Two suction arms for picking up blister packs at a stamping station in a pick position and for placing the blister packs on a conveyor in a place position, wherein the suction arms are pivotable in opposite directions. Each suction arm has three segments supported pivotably around three different axes. The transfer movement of the blister packs from the pick position to the place position and back is a combination movement, which is composed at least of the pivoting movement of the three segments around the three axes. The second, middle segments are pivoted inward toward the center plane both when in the pick position and in the place position. During the pivoting movements between the pick position and the place position, the second segments are pivoted away from each other so that the suction arms can pass by each other without colliding.