Indexing Welding Device Reducing Moment of Inertia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary indexing devices for manufacturing packaging tubes by welding face limitations in reducing indexing time due to high inertia, which restricts production rates without compromising the quality of the packaging.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement of mandrels, supports, radial actuation means, and linear guide means along a straight line parallel to the axis of rotation reduces the moment of inertia, allowing for a more efficient radial actuation and movement of mandrels, thereby decreasing indexing time and increasing production rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mandrels are arranged radially on a large-diameter turret, then the device can accommodate multiple mandrels for parallel production, but the moment of inertia increases rapidly, limiting the reduction of indexing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoidmoment of inertia
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional radial arrangement where mandrels are positioned at the periphery of a large-diameter turret to a configuration where mandrels are arranged along the axial direction. This dimensional change allows multiple mandrels to be positioned closer to the rotation axis, significantly reducing the moment of inertia while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple mandrels for parallel production operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the turret diameter is increased to accommodate more mandrels, then parallel production capacity increases, but the indexing time cannot be reduced due to increased inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of mandrelsVSAvoidindexing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing turret diameter to add more mandrels, the patent arranges mandrels along the axial dimension of the turret. This allows multiple mandrels to be positioned in parallel along the axis of rotation, enabling increased production capacity without increasing the radial footprint or moment of inertia, thereby allowing indexing time to be reduced

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If workstations are equipped with individual approach movement devices, then each station can perform precise positioning, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single radial actuation mechanism that simultaneously controls the approach movement of all mandrels. This universal actuation system performs the positioning function for multiple workstations without requiring individual devices at each station, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise positioning capability through synchronized radial movement

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

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

This configuration significantly reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a six-fold reduction in indexing time while maintaining the quality of the packaging, thus doubling production rates without altering the working time.

Implementation Method 1

The radial movement of approach and retreat chucks 4 is caused by a rotating element with cam 5 and spring 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

The radial movement of approach and retreat chucks 4 is caused by a rotating element with cam 5 and spring 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 3

A linear guide element 13 connect the turret 3 to chucks 4. The radial movement of approach and retreat chucks 4 is caused by a rotating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP3016790B1Indexing welding device for tube
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 AISAPACK HLDG SA
  • EP3016790B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3016790B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3016790B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Rotary indexing device for manufacturing packaging tubes, comprising an indexing turntable (3) mounted in a rotary manner about an axis (9), and mandrels (4) and respective supports (14) secured to said turntable (3) and disposed radially with respect to said axis (9); radial actuating means (10, 11) for moving the mandrels (4) in a direction perpendicular to said axis (9) and linear guide means (13) for moving the mandrels (4) in a direction perpendicular to said axis (9); characterized in that the mandrels (4) and respective supports (14), the radial actuating means (10, 11) and the linear guide means (13) are disposed in a direction parallel to said axis (9).