Interfolding Machine Beam Repositioning for Variable Sheet Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interfolding machines require time-consuming and risky manual interventions to change the length of sheet articles, involving the replacement of rollers, blades, and beams, which can lead to damage and incorrect positioning.

Innovation Solution

An interfolding machine design with interchangeable roller units and a rotatable beam that allows easy adjustment of cutting tool positions, enabling rapid changes in sheet article length without dismounting the beam, reducing the risk of damage and incorrect positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the beam is fixed to the frame and rollers are replaced to change sheet article length, then the cutting precision is maintained, but the reconfiguration time increases and the risk of damage to blades and counter-blades increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change sheet article lengthVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is divided into a fixed portion attached to the frame and a movable portion that can be independently positioned. The cutting tools are mounted on the movable portion, which can be adjusted along the beam without requiring complete disassembly of the beam structure. This segmentation allows rapid reconfiguration while maintaining cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tools are made dynamically adjustable along the beam through movable mounting mechanisms. This allows the cutting position to be changed by moving the tools along the beam rather than replacing the entire beam, reducing reconfiguration time and minimizing handling of fragile components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the beam is dismounted and replaced to adjust cutting tool position, then the cutting position accuracy is improved, but the risk of damage to blades and counter-blades increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting tool position accuracyVSAvoidrisk of damage to blades and counter-blades

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beam structure is segmented into fixed and movable portions, allowing the cutting tools to be repositioned by moving only the necessary section rather than handling the entire beam. This reduces the complexity of reconfiguration and minimizes the risk of accidental damage to fragile cutting components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable mounting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed beam and the cutting tools. This intermediary allows precise positioning of the cutting tools while protecting them from direct handling during reconfiguration, thereby reducing the risk of damage to blades and counter-blades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beams are stored for different sheet article lengths, then the production flexibility is improved, but the storage space requirement and risk of damage during transport increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidstorage space for beams

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single beam is designed to serve multiple functions by incorporating movable mounting mechanisms that allow cutting tools to be repositioned along its length. This universal beam can accommodate different sheet article lengths without requiring multiple specialized beams, reducing storage space requirements and minimizing the risk of damage during transport and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4565397B1Interfolding machine and method for varying a length of sheet articles produced by the interfolding machine

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 OT LUCCA SRL

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AI summary

An interfolding machine (10) comprising a first roller unit (3a) which comprises a cutting tool (30a) and a first roller (33a) for guiding a strip, a frame (1) housing the first roller unit (3a) and a beam (50) bearing a first counter-cutting tool (51) and fixed to the frame (1) in a first position in which the first counter-cutting tool (51) has a relative first position with respect to the rotation axis (A) of the first roller (33a) that is such as to cut or score the strip with the cutting tool (30a) of the first roller unit (3a). The beam (50) bears a second counter-cutting tool (52) and is fixable to the frame (1) in a second position in which the second counter-cutting tool (52) has a relative second position with respect to the rotation axis (A) so as to cut or score with the cutting tool (70a) of another roller unit (7a) with a different diameter for producing sheets of a different length. System and method.