Folding Box Transfer Rail With Straight Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transferring folding boxes to transport devices require complex constructions and additional costs due to the need for precise timing and alignment during a short circular movement, making them economically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a rail system featuring at least one straight section and optionally curved sections, allowing for a smooth transition and compact design, along with a rotatably mounted arm and lever element for precise movement and holding, enables a defined and efficient transfer of folding boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a circular rail system is used for continuous arm movement, then uniform rotary movement is achieved, but the transfer time is very short and precise timing/alignment is required leading to complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is segmented into different sections: a first straight section for removal operations, a second straight section for transfer operations, and curved connecting sections. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, enabling longer operational time at the transfer section without requiring complex timing mechanisms throughout the entire circular system.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm system dynamically transitions between different movement phases: linear movement along straight rail sections for stable holding and transfer, and curved movement along connecting sections for position changes. This dynamic adaptation of movement characteristics allows sufficient time for precise transfer operations without compromising overall system efficiency.
2Productivity
If a circular rail system is used, then continuous operation is possible, but additional space is required compared to compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system incorporates both linear and curved sections, effectively utilizing two-dimensional space more efficiently than a purely circular design. The straight sections allow for compact arrangement while the curved sections provide the necessary rotational capability, achieving continuous operation with reduced overall footprint.
3Manufacturing precision
If a straight rail section is added for defined transfer, then transfer precision is improved, but the rail system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is divided into functional segments: straight sections for precision operations (removal and transfer) and curved sections for transitional movements. This segmentation achieves defined transfer precision without requiring the entire system to be complex, as only specific segments need precision characteristics.
4Reliability
If counter-suction devices are used for difficult-to-open folding boxes, then opening reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device dynamically adjusts its suction characteristics: using normal suction for standard folding boxes and switching to counter-suction mode only when needed for difficult-to-open boxes. This conditional application of counter-suction devices maintains high opening reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity in the basic device design.
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 allows for a more economical and precise transfer of folding boxes, reducing space requirements and enabling easier processing of complex folding boxes, while maintaining the previous circular path for processing and storage integration.
Implementation Method 1
The holding devices can be designed in particular as suction devices. The flat folding box blanks can be taken over from a storage magazine and transported by the holding devices.
Implementation Method 2
The second arm is attached to the first arm via a lever element. This lever element causes the second arm to be pulled behind the first arm, so that it is moved particularly smoothly in the rail system.
Implementation Method 3
After a folding box blank has been removed, the folding box is unfolded by other devices that are placed around the transfer device. In the simplest case, it can be opened by a stop element; counter-suction devices, for example, can be used for folding boxes that are difficult to open.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for transferring a folding box to a transport device has at least one arm 24 which is slidably mounted in a closed, circulating rail system 40. At least one section of the rail system 40 is designed as a straight line 42, 44. Preferably, a first rotatably mounted arm 20 can be provided, on which a second arm 24 is movably mounted. This second arm 24 can then be mounted in the rail system.