Folded Sheet Production Machine with Movable Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and machine to produce articles with folded sheets in a simple, quick, and economical manner while ensuring the desired quality of the finished article.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a machine with mutually movable support elements to fold a sheet by approaching the support elements, bringing terminally opposite folding lines into contact, applying gluing material, and coupling a base layer to the sheet, thereby creating a folded article with structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional folding methods are used, then the sheet can be folded, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The folding process is segmented into discrete steps performed by movable support elements that can be independently controlled. Each support element pair handles a specific folding operation, allowing the complex folding process to be broken down into manageable, automated segments that increase productivity without requiring an overly complex monolithic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are made movable along the processing path, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions to create folds at different locations and angles. This dynamic capability enables a relatively simple mechanism to perform complex folding operations by changing the configuration of support elements during the process, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Strength
If gluing material is applied during folding, then adhesion is achieved, but adhesive oozing occurs causing soiling and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The terminally opposite folding lines are brought into substantial mutual contact before the gluing material is applied. This preliminary action creates a stable folded structure that contains the adhesive application area, preventing adhesive from oozing out and soiling surrounding surfaces. The fold is pre-formed to establish proper geometry before adhesive is introduced, ensuring both strong adhesion and clean application.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded structure itself acts as an intermediary that controls adhesive flow. By bringing folding lines into contact, the fold creates a physical barrier and containment structure that mediates between the adhesive application and the surrounding environment, allowing adhesive to be applied effectively while preventing it from reaching areas where it would cause soiling or hygiene issues.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple folding methods are used, then the process is economical, but the desired article quality and structural strength are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support elements are positioned and controlled to precisely bring terminally opposite folding lines into substantial mutual contact. This feedback-controlled positioning ensures that folds are created with high accuracy and consistency, achieving the desired manufacturing precision. The system monitors and adjusts support element positions to ensure proper fold geometry, maintaining article quality while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through automated control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Method and machine (1) for producing an article (A) comprising a folded sheet (F), the machine (1) comprising two support elements (4) that are movable and directly consecutive to each other, structured to hold the sheet (F) disposed on them; a first deposition system (11) for arranging the sheet (F) on the two support elements (4); a second deposition system (61) for arranging a base layer (S) in correspondence with the two support elements (4); a gluing material dispensing system (81); and a control unit (10) configured for: arranging the sheet (F) on holding onto the two support elements (4), reciprocally approaching the two support elements (4) for making on the sheet (F) a fold (P), bringing two terminally opposite folding lines (P1a, P1c) of the fold (P) into mutual contact, applying gluing material onto the sheet (F), and coupling the base layer (S) to the sheet (F) for producing the article (A).