Longitudinal Food-Packaging Cutters With On-Frame Width Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cutting food packaging along a longitudinal direction require tedious and time-consuming adjustments when changing packaging widths, necessitating the removal and reinstallation of cutting tools.

Innovation Solution

The device allows for quick and easy changeover between packaging sizes by adjusting cutting tools on a support structure without removing them, using mechanisms like pivot arms and adjustment drives to transition between active and passive positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cutting tools are fixed on a shaft and the shaft is removed to change packaging width, then the cutting tools can be repositioned, but the adjustment process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging width adaptabilityVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tools are made dynamically adjustable relative to the shaft through individual adjustment mechanisms. Each cutting tool can be independently positioned along the shaft's longitudinal axis and locked in place, allowing the shaft to remain installed while adapting to different packaging widths. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for shaft removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool assembly is segmented into independent adjustable units. Each cutting tool has its own adjustment mechanism, allowing individual tools to be positioned at different locations along the shaft. This segmentation enables flexible configuration for various packaging widths without affecting the entire shaft assembly or requiring its removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cutting tools are removed from the shaft to adjust for different packaging widths, then repositioning is possible, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging size adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic adjustability where cutting tools can be easily repositioned along the shaft while it remains installed. The adjustment mechanisms allow operators to quickly modify cutting positions for different packaging sizes without the complex process of removing and reinstalling the entire shaft assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tools are equipped with self-adjustment capabilities through individual adjustment mechanisms that allow each tool to be independently repositioned and locked. This self-service feature simplifies the adjustment process, making it straightforward for operators to adapt the cutting configuration to different packaging widths without requiring complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4000824B1Device for cutting food packagings along a longitudinal axis and method for operating such a device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 WEBER FOOD TECHNOLOGY SE & CO KG
  • EP4000824B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4000824B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4000824B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to a device for cutting food packaging along a longitudinal direction, comprising a base, a support structure arranged on the base, and at least one cutting tool coupled to the support structure, wherein the cutting tool, or at least one of the cutting tools, is adjustable between a cutting position and a passive position when the support structure is arranged on the base. The application also relates to a method for cutting packaging along a longitudinal direction using a device, wherein the device comprises a base, a support structure arranged on the base, and at least one cutting tool coupled to the support structure. According to the method, the cutting tool is adjusted between a cutting position and a passive position to set the width of the packaging to be cut, while the support structure is arranged on the base.The packaging is then cut using at least one cutting tool that is in its cutting position.