Integrated Portal for Thermoform Packaging Robot Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoform packaging machines have complex, vibration-prone robot structures that complicate the structural design and increase the machine's footprint, leading to instability and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A compact, U-shaped or O-shaped portal is integrated into the machine frame, providing a rigid structure that supports a 2-axis robot, enhancing the machine's torsion resistance and connection stiffness, while allowing for a more compact design and reduced vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stand-alone robot portal is used, then the robot can be supported independently, but the machine structure becomes complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the robot portal with the machine frame into a single integrated structure. The portal is rigidly connected to the machine frame, eliminating the need for separate stand-alone portal structures while maintaining robot support functionality. This integration reduces overall structural complexity and space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If a stand-alone robot portal is used, then the robot can be supported independently, but the machine footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portal is integrated into the machine frame structure, sharing the same structural space rather than occupying additional footprint area. The portal columns and crossbars are positioned within the existing machine frame boundaries, reducing the overall machine footprint while maintaining robot support capability.
3Strength
If a rigid portal structure is integrated into the machine frame, then connection stiffness increases, but vibration transmission may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The portal structure is segmented into multiple rigid components (columns and crossbars) that are rigidly connected to each other and to the machine frame. This segmentation creates a distributed rigid structure that enhances overall connection stiffness while the multiple connection points help distribute and reduce vibration transmission paths.
4Ease of operation
If the portal extends across the machine, then robot support is provided, but space in conveying direction is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The portal structure transitions from a conventional long horizontal extension to a more compact configuration where the crossbars extend primarily in the transverse direction rather than the conveying direction. The columns are positioned to provide vertical support, while the crossbars provide horizontal support in the transverse dimension, reducing the portal's footprint in the conveying direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoform packaging machine comprising a forming station for thermoforming troughs in a bottom film web adapted to be conveyed in the thermoform packaging machine in a conveying direction, as well as a closing station for closing the troughs with a cover film. The machine further comprises a machine frame that includes a plurality of interconnected vertical members, longitudinal members, cross members, and machine feet. At least one substantially U-shaped or O-shaped portal is rigidly integrated in the machine frame, the portal comprising two columns and a crossbar extending between the two columns and above a conveying plane of the bottom film web transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the portal has a 2-axis robot mounted thereon.