Fiber Product Folding Structure That Eliminates Stack Turnover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber product folding apparatuses often result in the first folded product being located at the bottommost position of stacked fiber products, requiring an additional step to turn the stack by 180 degrees for efficient retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A fiber product folding apparatus comprising a hoisting seat, baffle, pressing plate, absorbing unit, and folding portion, where the baffle blocks stacked products, the pressing plate contacts and absorbs the topmost product, and the folding portion folds the product in place, eliminating the need for stack rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the folding unit folds the exposed fiber product between two folding units, then the fiber product can be folded, but the folded product ends up at the bottommost position requiring additional turnover

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of retrieving folded fiber productVSAvoidNeed for additional turnover apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional folding approach by folding the topmost fiber product instead of the exposed product between units. The folding unit is positioned to fold the topmost product of the stacked fiber products, which then moves to a convenient retrieval position without requiring additional turnover operations. This inversion of the folding target resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for turnover apparatus while maintaining folding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If two folding units are arranged in parallel with a gap, then the exposed fiber product can be folded, but the folded product is located at the bottommost position

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFolding capability of fiber productsVSAvoidTime for additional turnover operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the folding unit to fold the topmost fiber product before it becomes the exposed product that would require turnover. The stacking unit stacks fiber products on the carrying unit, and the folding unit immediately folds the topmost product in the stacking direction, ensuring the folded product is already in a convenient retrieval position before any turnover would be needed. This preliminary folding action eliminates subsequent turnover time and improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the folding unit folds the exposed fiber product, then folding is completed, but the folded product requires 180 degree turnover for efficient retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSimplicity of folding mechanismVSAvoidEase of retrieving folded fiber product

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the folding unit universal by enabling it to fold fiber products in multiple positions and orientations. The folding unit can fold the topmost product of stacked fiber products and can adjust its position along the carrying unit. This multi-functionality allows the same folding mechanism to handle both the folding operation and the positioning operation, eliminating the need for separate turnover apparatus while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the first fiber product to be folded and positioned closer to the center, facilitating easy retrieval without the need for stack rotation, improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one absorbing unit, arranged on a surface of the pressing plate and is used to absorb the topmost fiber product among the stacked fiber products

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10183830B2Fiber product folding apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 CHAN LI MACHINERY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fiber product folding apparatus, mainly including a hoisting seat, a baffle, a pressing plate, and a folding portion, where the baffle is connected to at least one swing arm and can actuate the baffle to swing through the swing arm, so as to block stacked fiber products. The pressing plate is connected to the hoisting seat though a connecting rod, where the connecting rod can actuate the pressing plate to swing relative to the hoisting seat and pressurize to the stacked fiber products. A folding portion is arranged on the pressing plate and can move along the pressing plate, so as to fold a first fiber product of the stacked fiber products.