Folding Device for Folder-Gluer with Support Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing folder-gluer machines face challenges in controlling the position and geometry of the fold, especially when folding between 0 and 90°, leading to variations in the quality of folded boxes, particularly when dealing with rigid materials like corrugated cardboard.
Innovation Solution
A folding device that guides and supports the fold formation by using a combination of an inner tool, an outer tool, and a support guide, where the fold is sandwiched between the inner tool and the support guide, ensuring precise control over the bend axis and radius, thereby stabilizing the geometric characteristics of the fold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional folding tools are used without fold support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of the fold position and geometry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A support guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the outer tool and the blank. This support guide bears against the outer face of the first flank and provides a fixed reference that mediates the folding action, ensuring consistent fold geometry and position without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support guide is designed to automatically position itself relative to the fold axis during the folding operation. The guide's geometry is configured so that as the blank is fed through the folder-gluer, the support guide self-aligns with the fold line and provides the necessary geometric constraints without requiring active control systems or complex positioning mechanisms.
2Strength
If the blank material is rigid (e.g., corrugated cardboard), then the strength of the folded box is improved, but the ease of operation for folding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support guide acts as a mediator that distributes the folding forces across the rigid blank material. By providing a stable reference surface that bears against the outer face of the first flank, the support guide enables controlled deformation of rigid materials like corrugated cardboard without requiring excessive force or complex positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support guide's geometric parameters (such as its angle relative to the fold axis and its position) are optimized to match the specific properties of rigid materials. This allows the folding mechanism to adapt to the high stiffness of corrugated cardboard while maintaining ease of operation through proper geometric configuration rather than complex force control.
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 improves the quality of folded boxes by maintaining consistent fold position and geometry throughout the folding process, reducing variations and enhancing production quality.
Implementation Method 1
a support guide (4) which, during folding, bears against said longitudinal ply (10c), on the side of the outer face (12)
Implementation Method 2
the external tool exerts on the first flank a bending force which is applied to the front edge of said flank to drive the first flank in a rotational movement around the bending axis
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
Device for folding cutouts of paper, cardboard, plastic, corrugated cardboard or similar material passing through a folder-gluer, comprising an inner tool (2) capable of cooperating with an outer tool (3) to form a longitudinal fold (10c) in a cutout (10), device further comprising a support guide (4) capable of cooperating with the inner tool (2) to sandwich the fold (10c).