Folder-Gluer Flap Position Correction via Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folder-gluer machines struggle with positional deviations of cardboard flaps during folding and gluing, leading to anomalies like excessive gaps and fishtailing, which are not effectively corrected by current technologies that only address mechanical issues and not the specific geometric properties of each blank.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that uses partially vacuumized suction cups to hold and correct the position of folded flaps, allowing for precise adjustment based on individual blank geometry, and a system to apply glue and press the flaps together until set, ensuring accurate folding and gluing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional folder-gluer machines are used to fold and glue cardboard blanks, then the folding and gluing operations can be performed, but positional deviations of flaps occur leading to gaps and fishtailing anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by detecting the actual folded position of flaps and comparing it with the target position, then adjusting the blank position or flap folding position based on the detected deviation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously corrects positional errors to maintain manufacturing precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the position of the blank or the folding elements before the folding operation occurs. This proactive adjustment compensates for anticipated deviations and ensures that flaps are folded to the correct position, preventing gaps and fishtailing anomalies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses fixed folding positions, then the machine structure remains simple, but it cannot adapt to blanks with different geometric properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by making the folding positions movable rather than fixed. The machine can dynamically adjust folding positions based on the specific geometric properties of each blank, allowing adaptation to different blank types while managing complexity through controlled flexibility in the machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the folding process by adjusting folding positions and angles according to the blank's specific dimensions and shape. This parameter adaptation enables the machine to handle various blank geometries effectively without requiring complete structural redesign for each blank type.
3Productivity
If positional deviations are not corrected, then the processing speed remains high, but the number of discarded blanks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical fixed-position folding with a corrected positioning system that uses detection and adjustment mechanisms. This substitution maintains high processing speed by automating the correction process while significantly reducing material waste by ensuring correct folding positions that meet quality standards.
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 significantly reduces the number of discarded blanks by correcting positional deviations in real-time, adapting to each blank's unique geometry, and maintaining material savings by minimizing ejections.
Implementation Method 1
the suction cup being oriented downwards, movable vertically and transversely, and able to be vacuumized
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking and correcting the position of a blank (10) that includes closing the folded right-hand and left-hand flaps (17, 18) of the blank, which are positioned one above the other in an overlapping portion, checking the position of the right-hand edge (13) and of the left-hand edge (14), and comparing the position with a predetermined position in order to determine a positional deviation, if the positional deviation exceeds an admissible deviation value, and before the glue sets, fixing of the central flap (19), then holding the upper face of the right-hand flap and of the left-hand flap by a suction cup (21, 23, 24, 26), and correcting the position of the left-hand flap (18) and/or of the right-hand flap (17) by moving the suction cup (21, 23, 24, 26).