Ejection Device Gripper Bar Actuation for Sheet Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging manufacturing processes face inefficiencies in sampling blanks during production, leading to slowed production rates, potential loss of samples, and difficulties in quality control, particularly in industries like tobacco and cigarettes that require frequent sampling.
Innovation Solution
An ejection device for processing machines that includes an actuating element capable of moving between inactive and active positions to open gripper bars, allowing for the automatic and efficient ejection of sample blanks, maintaining a straight path and enabling the samples to regain speed for effective transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sampling of blanks is performed during production, then quality control can be achieved, but production rate is greatly slowed and operator engagement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-sampling automatically during production. The sampling device is integrated into the production line and automatically ejects sample blanks without operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself for quality control purposes while maintaining continuous production
Solution Approach 2:
Sample blanks are ejected in advance during the production process itself, before quality control inspection is needed. This preliminary ejection action allows samples to be prepared and separated from the main production flow ahead of time, enabling continuous production while samples are ready for inspection
2Reliability
If manual sampling is performed, then samples can be obtained for quality control, but samples may become lost during handling or mixed with waste
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device segregates sample blanks from the main production flow by ejecting them through a separate path. This segmentation creates distinct handling streams for samples versus waste, preventing mixing and loss while maintaining ease of operation through automatic separation
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated sample ejection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the production line and quality control process. This intermediary component handles samples automatically through a separate path, eliminating direct operator handling that causes loss and mixing
3Device complexity
If on-the-fly ejection is used to save on gripper bars, then device complexity is reduced, but sampling capability during production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed to work within the existing on-the-fly ejection framework, making the system multi-functional. The same gripper bar system used for waste removal is adapted to also perform sample ejection, allowing one system to serve multiple functions without adding significant complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the ejection mechanism to differentiate between sample and waste ejection. By making the ejection system dynamic and controllable, it can adapt its behavior based on whether samples or waste need to be removed, enabling sampling capability within the simplified on-the-fly framework
Data Source
AI summary
An ejection device for ejecting sample blanks for a processing machine for processing elements in sheet form, the processing machine comprising: a plurality of work stations including at least one waste removal station, and a conveying device comprising a plurality of gripper bars configured to drive the elements through the work stations, the ejection device comprises at least one actuating element able to move between: an inactive position positioned away from the path of the gripper bars, and an active position positioned on the path of the gripper bars, the at least one actuating element being configured to collaborate with the gripper bars as they pass by, so as to open the gripper bars and eject, flat, a sample of blanks. The present invention also relates to a waste removal station, a processing machine for processing elements in sheet form, and a method for ejecting blanks samples in a machine.