Folding Device for Tax Tag Application on Non-Coplanar Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in applying tax stamps to packages of smoking articles due to limited space, which leads to difficulties in stable and effective application, increased risk of positioning errors, and unsightly creases, while maintaining high productivity.
Innovation Solution
A folding method and device that folds a protruding flap of a tag against a non-coplanar surface of a package, ensuring precise application and stability, by using a device with movable units and cam profiles that guide the folding process in synchronization with the package advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tag is applied to two non-coplanar surfaces of a package, then the tag provides comprehensive coverage and sealing, but the application becomes unstable and prone to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is pre-cut with a folding line and adhesive portion is applied to one surface before the folding action. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the flap is folded onto the second surface, the adhesive is already in position and ready for bonding, eliminating positioning errors and ensuring stable application on non-coplanar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag is divided into distinct segments: a first portion applied to a first surface, a folding line, and a second portion (flap) to be folded onto a second surface. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the first portion for stable initial attachment and the second portion for folded application onto adjacent non-coplanar surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tag flap is folded against a non-coplanar surface, then the tag seals the package effectively, but creases and positioning errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The folding line is positioned and dimensioned specifically to account for the non-coplanar relationship between surfaces. The adhesive portion has specific dimensional characteristics that ensure proper engagement with the package surface. These localized quality adjustments at the folding line and adhesive portions enable accurate folding despite the non-coplanar geometry, reducing creases and positioning errors while maintaining effective sealing.
3Productivity
If limited space is available on the package, then productivity is maintained, but stable and effective tag application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tag utilizes the third dimension by folding the second portion onto an adjacent surface rather than requiring additional planar space on the same surface. This dimensional transition allows the tag to wrap around corners or edges of the package, effectively utilizing limited available space while maintaining stable application and high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Folding device and method in which a tax tag (32), which has been partially glued to a first wall (33') of a package (33) of smoking articles, comprises two flaps to be folded that protrude beyond the first wall on opposite sides of the first wall; a unit (5), which is movable along a closed loop path (4), comprises a support (8), an arm (10) articulated to the support and a die (34) that is articulated to the arm and comprises a contact surface (35) that is counter-shaped with respect to the portion of package to which the entire tag has to be applied; the unit and the package are conveyed parallel side by side along a straight advancement portion at the same advancement speed, whilst the die is moved so that a central portion (35') of the contact surface comes into contact against the first wall of the package and simultaneously two side portions (35a; 35b) of the contact surface fold the two flaps of the tag, bringing the tags into contact against another two walls (33a; 33b) of the package. [Fig. 11]