Folding Unit for Pourable Food Packaging Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines for producing folded packages of pourable food products, such as Tetra Brik Aseptic packages, face challenges in controlling the folding of top fins onto the main portion of the packs, resulting in suboptimal coplanarity and overall package quality.

Innovation Solution

A folding unit with a chain conveyor system and cam-based mechanism that includes pairs of shells and links to precisely fold the top fins onto the flattened main portion, utilizing a heating device to melt and seal the packaging material, ensuring accurate and repeatable folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional folding unit with fixed guide members and contrast elements is used, then the packaging process can be maintained with simple structure, but the coplanarity of the top fin onto the main portion is suboptimal and folding precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoplanarity of top finVSAvoidfolding mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed folding components with movable ones. The transport element features movable arms that can change position relative to the pack, and the folding element includes a movable folding member that adjusts its position. This dynamic configuration enables precise control over the folding process, achieving superior coplanarity of the top fin onto the main portion while maintaining adaptability to different packaging requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: transport element with movable arms, folding element with movable folding member, and heating element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by distributing the functional requirements across specialized subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed folding components are used to maintain simple structure, then device complexity is low, but folding precision and coplanarity control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding accuracyVSAvoidmechanism control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through the coordinated interaction of movable arms and a movable folding member. The movable arms guide the pack positioning, and the movable folding member adjusts its position based on the pack's position, creating a feedback loop that ensures accurate folding. This feedback mechanism enables high folding precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional fixed mechanical folding components with a more sophisticated system involving movable arms and a movable folding member that can be dynamically positioned. This substitution transforms the mechanical system from a static, hard-to-control configuration to a dynamic, easily controllable one, improving both folding accuracy and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional folding means are used, then the production process remains cost-effective, but the overall package quality and structural integrity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage qualityVSAvoidfolding unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the movable arms and movable folding member in advance to prepare for the folding operation. The movable arms are pre-positioned to guide the pack, and the movable folding member is prepared in its initial position before engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable and consistent folding results, improving package quality while the modular structure keeps device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the position and configuration of the movable arms and movable folding member during the folding process. These dynamic parameter adjustments enable precise control over folding geometry, ensuring high package quality and structural integrity. The ability to change parameters on-the-fly maintains reliability while avoiding the need for overly complex fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution achieves high-quality folding with improved coplanarity of the top fin onto the main portion, enhancing the overall appearance and structural integrity of the packages, while maintaining a low-cost and efficient production process.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a heating device to melt and seal the packaging material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS9409368B2Folding unit for pourable food product packaging machines
Publication Date: 2016.08.09 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • US9409368B2 patent drawing
  • US9409368B2 patent drawing
  • US9409368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A folding unit for producing packages of pourable food products from sealed packs having main portion and opposite end portions; each pack comprising, for each end portion, a fin and a pair of flaps projecting laterally from main portion; unit comprises: a conveyor fed with a plurality of packs and which feeds the pack along a forming path; and a folder interacting with each pack to fold relative end fin onto a relative end portion; conveyor comprises first and second links articulated to each other; second link is arranged downstream of first link, relative to a first advancing direction of conveyor; folder comprises: a slot defined by first link to receive end fin; and a slide operatively connected to second link and movable between a first position at least partially engaging slot, to fold end fin onto a relative end portion, and a second position detached from slot.