Film Application Apparatus with Integrated Mould and Linear Motor Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for applying films to supports, particularly in packaging, suffer from low versatility and poor operating flexibility, leading to increased production costs and reduced productivity due to the need for multiple stations for picking up and repositioning supports.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a guide with linear motors and a supporting element that moves along a closed movement path with associated processing stations, allowing for continuous film application without the need for manual handling of supports, thereby enhancing versatility and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guides with linear motors are used to move moulds along a movement path, then versatility and operating flexibility are improved, but productivity decreases and production costs increase due to the need for additional picking-up and repositioning stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mould movement function with the film application function by integrating the mould directly into the application device. The mould is no longer a separate component that needs to be moved independently, but is instead integrated with the support holding and film application mechanisms, allowing all operations to occur in a single stationary position.
Solution Approach 2:
The application device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: holding the support, applying the film, and preparing the packaged support for removal. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate picking-up and repositioning stations, thereby maintaining versatility while improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If guides with linear motors are used to move moulds along a movement path, then operating flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to relatively long production times caused by pick-up steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous film application by eliminating the interruptive pick-up and repositioning steps. The mould remains in position throughout the process, allowing the film application to proceed without interruption. The support is fed continuously through the application device, maintaining a steady production flow without time losses associated with manual handling.
3Productivity
If multiple stations for picking up and repositioning supports are implemented, then film application can be performed, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate stations (feeding station, application station, and repositioning station) into a single integrated application device. The mould serves multiple purposes: holding the support during feeding, applying the film during processing, and facilitating support removal. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining film application capability.
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 solution increases productivity and reduces production costs by enabling continuous film application and eliminating the need for manual handling and additional processing stations, while maintaining the benefits of linear motor guides.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus incorporates a guide with linear motors and a supporting element that moves along a closed movement path
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for application of a film (2) to a support (3), comprising: a movement path with an application station (6); a movement element (13) slidable along the movement path; a supporting element (14) coupled to and movable with the movement element (13) which defines a housing (23) for the support (3); an application device (4) in the application station (6) for applying the film (2) to the support (3) when the supporting element (14) is in the station. The application device (4) comprises a closing element (32), a contact element (33) and the supporting element (14) in the application station (6) interposed between them. When the supporting element (14) is in the application station (6), the closing element (32) and the supporting element are movable between an opening position, in which they are uncoupled and spaced apart from each other, and a closing position, in which they are coupled to apply the film (2) to the support (3). The contact element (33) supports the supporting element (14) when the supporting element and the closing element (32) are in the closing position.