Glue Hose Coupling for Switchable Format-Part Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gluing machines require multiple devices to handle a large number of different glue application format parts, leading to space inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for numerous fixed hose connections.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system that allows for selective and releasable fluid connection between glue hoses, enabling a single gluing device to supply multiple glue application format parts, reducing the need for multiple devices and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fixed hose connections are used to supply different glue application format parts, then each format can be supplied reliably, but the space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue supply reliabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling piece is designed as a universal connector that can selectively couple with mating coupling pieces from multiple different glue hoses corresponding to various glue application format parts. This single multi-functional coupling piece replaces the need for multiple dedicated fixed hose connections, allowing one gluing device to supply glue to numerous different format parts while maintaining reliable glue supply and significantly reducing space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gluing devices are provided to supply different glue application format parts, then each format receives dedicated glue supply, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of gluing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single gluing device is equipped with a coupling piece that enables it to selectively connect to multiple different glue application format parts through corresponding mating coupling pieces. This universal design allows one gluing device to perform the function of multiple dedicated devices, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability to various formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system enables dynamic reconfiguration of glue supply connections. The coupling piece can be selectively coupled and decoupled from different mating coupling pieces, allowing the gluing device to adapt dynamically to different glue application format parts as needed, rather than requiring fixed dedicated connections for each format

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gluing devices are used to handle various glue application format parts, then each format has dedicated supply, but the number of components and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue format coverageVSAvoidnumber of hoses and devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling piece serves as a universal interface that consolidates multiple hose connections into a single component. By enabling one gluing device to connect to multiple glue application format parts through selective coupling, the system reduces the total quantity of hoses and devices needed while maintaining comprehensive glue format coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system merges multiple separate hose connections and gluing devices into a single integrated system. The coupling piece combines the functions of multiple dedicated connectors, and a single gluing device performs the work of multiple devices, thereby reducing the overall quantity of components while maintaining adaptability to various glue formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 coupling system enables efficient switching between different glue application format parts, reduces the number of gluing devices required, and conserves space, while ensuring safe temperature control and user safety through integrated heating elements and safety sensors.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling system may also include at least one heating element for temperature control of the at least one coupling piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4467245A1Coupling system for glue hoses and method for operating a gluing machine
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 KRONES AG
  • EP4467245A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467245A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467245A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling system (1) for the fluidic connection of glue tubes (5, 5', 15, 15') is disclosed. The coupling system (1) comprises a housing (40) and at least one coupling piece (6, 6') attachable to a glue tube (15, 15') of a gluing device (72), which is received by the housing (40) and which can be selectively and detachably coupled to mating coupling pieces (8, 8') of several glue tubes (5, 5') of different glue application format parts, so that a fluidic connection is formed between the respective glue tube (15, 15') of the gluing device and the respective further glue tube (5, 5') of the respective glue application format part via the coupling piece (6, 6') and the mating coupling piece (8, 8') coupled to the coupling piece (6, 6').