Folding Unit Retention Means for Package Transfer Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines face difficulties in controlling the transfer of packages from the folding unit to the transferring and up-ending unit, especially at high output rates, leading to package jams and reduced efficiency due to improper positioning and sliding of packages.

Innovation Solution

A folding unit with movable conveying members and retention means that keep packages on plates, preventing them from falling or sliding during transfer, allowing for better control and positioning before and during the transfer to the up-ending unit, enabling the up-ending unit to be positioned lower and packages to be tilted less for vertical alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are transferred at high speed from folding unit to up-ending unit, then productivity increases, but package positioning control deteriorates causing jams and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidpackage positioning control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retention means are activated before the transfer operation to secure packages on plates in advance. This preliminary action ensures packages are firmly held before high-speed transfer begins, preventing positioning errors and jams that would occur at high production speeds without such preparatory securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention means act as an intermediary mechanism between the folding unit and up-ending unit. They provide a controlled interface that maintains package positioning during the transition phase, allowing high-speed operation while preserving positioning accuracy through the mediating effect of the retention system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If retention means are added to keep packages on plates, then package positioning control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage positioning controlVSAvoidfolding unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than making the entire folding unit complex, the retention means are applied locally only where needed - on the plates that carry packages during transfer. This localized approach provides necessary positioning control precisely at the critical transfer point without adding complexity to the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retention means are designed to work with the existing plate structure, utilizing the plates' own geometry and movement characteristics. The retention mechanism serves itself by integrating with the conveying plates already present in the system, minimizing additional complexity while achieving improved positioning control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10086966B2Folding unit for pourable food product packaging machines

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

A folding unit for producing packages of pourable food products from sealed packs comprises a movable conveying member and a folding device arranged for folding at least one end portion of the packs, whilst the packs are conveyed by the conveying member, to obtain the packages, the conveying member carrying a plurality of plates, each plate being configured to receive a pack and to deliver a package to a transferring and up-ending unit arranged downstream of the folding unit, the folding unit further comprising a retention device arranged for keeping said packages on the plates.