Interfolded Sheet Stack Separation With Pre-Folded Grippable Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfolding machines struggle with low productivity and cannot produce packs of interfolded sheets with an end sheet partially folded to create a grippable flap for easy extraction, limiting the efficiency and functionality of the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a pair of independently movable support tables, a separating board, and separator elements to facilitate high-production separation of interfolded sheets, allowing for the formation of a grippable flap by partially folding the end sheet, with the support tables handling hanging sheets during separation to enable simultaneous support of the next stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separation means are used to separate successive stacks of interfolded sheets, then the separation process can be performed, but productivity remains low and no grippable flap is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The end sheet is partially folded on itself in advance during the separation process to pre-form the grippable flap, so that when the pack is delivered, the flap is already ready to facilitate easy extraction of sheets without requiring additional operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support tables are divided into multiple independent movable elements that can operate separately - one table supports the formed stack while another handles the hanging strip, allowing simultaneous independent operations that increase productivity while forming the flap
2Ease of operation
If the end sheet is folded to create a grippable flap, then ease of sheet extraction is improved, but the separation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support tables perform multiple functions: they support the formed stack, support the hanging strip, and simultaneously fold the end sheet to create the grippable flap. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate dedicated folding mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Productivity
If support tables are used to handle hanging sheets during separation, then productivity is enhanced through simultaneous operations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tables are designed to be independently movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust positions to support different components (formed stack or hanging strip) at different times. This dynamic capability enables simultaneous operations that boost productivity without requiring an entirely separate complex apparatus for each function
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The method for separating two successive stacks (PA, PB) of interfolded sheets comprises: once having released the formed stack (PA) on a conveyor (O), moving the two support tables (11, 12), one following another, in such a way as to fold the strip (S) of sheets hanging below the successive stack (PB) under formation supported by the pair of separator elements (14, 15), in such a way that, when the two support tables (11, 12) are brought to face one another or moved towards one another to support the successive stack (PB) under formation, an end flap (F3) of the lower sheet of the successive stack (PB) under formation is partially folded and hanging between the two support tables to form a grippable flap (L) for a facilitated extraction of the sheets from the pack (P) which is obtained once the formation of the successive stack (PB) is completed.