Folding Unit for Convex Package Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding units are unable to produce sealed packages with non-flat lateral walls and bulging front walls, making them unsuitable for newly conceived package designs.
Innovation Solution
A folding unit with a rotatable conveyor and adjustable folding devices that include heating and pressure mechanisms to shape and seal packages with convex and concave walls, allowing for the formation of packages with specific angular and sloping features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional folding units are used to form packages, then the packaging process is simple and cost-effective, but the packages cannot have non-flat lateral walls and bulging front walls
Solution Approach 1:
The folding unit employs movable and adjustable folding devices that can be positioned at different locations along the forming path. The pressure devices are movable between operative and rest positions, allowing the system to adapt to different package shapes dynamically without requiring complete redesign of the folding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The folding unit is divided into multiple independent folding devices (first folding device with first pressure devices, second folding device with second pressure devices) that can be positioned at different locations along the forming path. Each folding device can be independently controlled to create specific shape features at different stages of the forming process
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing folding units are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but adaptability to new package designs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The folding unit is designed with multiple folding devices that can be positioned at different locations along the forming path, enabling a single machine to produce various package shapes including parallelepiped, gable-top, and other innovative designs. The system serves multiple functions: forming different wall configurations, creating bulging front walls, and producing non-flat lateral walls
Solution Approach 2:
The movable and adjustable folding devices allow the same equipment to adapt to different package designs by repositioning components along the forming path, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving versatility for new package concepts
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
Enables the production of sealed packages with concave lateral and convex front walls, accommodating various package shapes and designs efficiently and cost-effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating the flaps of the packs travelling along the folding path
Implementation Method 2
a second folding device for pressing flaps of each pack travelling along forming path onto respective wall, as flaps cool
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a folding unit (1) for forming sealed packages (2) of pourable food products, comprising: at least one conveying device (42) for feeding along a forming path (B) a relative pack (3) which have at least one portion (6, 7) to be folded to form a finished package (2); at least one folding device (50, 70) interacting, in use, with pack (3) along said forming path (B) and adapted to fold said at least one portion (6, 7); conveying device (42) comprises a first and a second surface (46a, 46b) opposite to another and adapted, in use, to cooperate respectively with a front and a rear wall (10) opposite to each other of relative pack (3) to be folded; first surface (46a) is at least partially concave.