Helical Supporting Guide for Folding Blank Geometry Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing folding processes in folder-gluer machines face challenges in controlling the position and geometry of the fold, particularly when folding between 0 and 90°, leading to quality issues and variations in the production of folded boxes, especially when dealing with stiff materials like corrugated boards.
Innovation Solution
A folding device with an internal tool and a supporting guide, where the supporting guide has a helical shape to sandwich the fold, stabilizing its formation and improving control over the folding process, using a ramp of rollers and a metallic bar with a helical surface to guide and support the fold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional folding process is used with external tool pressing against the panel, then the folding operation can be performed, but the position and geometry of the fold are difficult to control, causing quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting guide is introduced as an intermediary element between the external tool and the blank. The supporting guide has a longitudinal surface that cooperates with the internal tool to sandwich the fold, providing stable support and precise geometric control during the folding operation, thereby resolving the control issues with conventional direct pressing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The folding device is segmented into distinct functional components: an internal tool (longitudinal ramp or rollers) and an external tool, with the supporting guide positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the internal tool provides support from below, the external tool applies folding force, and the supporting guide ensures precise fold geometry, collectively improving manufacturing precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If the panel to be folded is stiff material like corrugated board, then the blank can be used for folded boxes, but the folding operation becomes difficult to control and causes quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting guide provides dynamic support during the folding operation, adapting to the stiffness of different materials. The longitudinal surface of the supporting guide cooperates with the internal tool to maintain proper fold geometry regardless of material stiffness, enabling precise control of both flexible and stiff materials like corrugated board through the coordinated action of all three elements
Data Source
AI summary
Folding device for folding blanks, including an internal tool fit to cooperate with an external tool for forming a longitudinal fold in a blank, and a supporting guide fit to cooperate with the internal tool to sandwich the fold as the external tool folds the blank as the blank is conveyed.