Intersecting-Axis Clipping Tool Assembly for Faster Package Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging machines face challenges in closing tubular or bag-shaped packagings containing incoherent fillings like fruit or vegetables, leading to reduced cycle rates due to the need for adapting the clipping tool assembly to accommodate large packagings and handling flexible packaging material, which results in limited filling speed.
Innovation Solution
A clipping tool assembly with a first closing tool and a die that intersect at a closing region, allowing for a compact design and reduced travel distance, featuring linear movement and sequential control of the die and closing tool to enhance cycle rates without increasing speed or acceleration, and includes gathering means to form a plait-like portion for efficient closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the clipping tool assembly is adapted to accommodate large packagings containing incoherent fillings, then the packaging capacity is improved, but the cycle rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the die and closing tool linearly movable rather than fixed. The die can move linearly along the die axis between neutral and engagement positions, and the closing tool can move linearly along the closing axis. This dynamic adjustment allows the same tool assembly to handle both large packagings (by extending the die travel for larger closures) and maintain high cycle rates (by using linear movement for quick positioning), resolving the contradiction between packaging capacity and cycle rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing the die to move along the die axis (perpendicular to the closing axis) and the closing tool to move along the closing axis. This two-dimensional linear movement capability enables the tool assembly to accommodate various packaging sizes without increasing the horizontal footprint, thus maintaining high cycle rates while adapting to different packaging capacities.
2Loss of time
If the die and closing tool travel distance is reduced, then the cycle time is decreased, but the closure accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with independent linear movement mechanisms for the die and closing tool. Each component has its own linear drive system that can precisely control its movement along its axis. This substitution allows for reduced travel distances (improving cycle time) while maintaining closure accuracy through precise linear positioning control, as each component can be accurately positioned independently along its movement axis.
3Productivity
If the clipping tool assembly is designed for high cycle rates, then the productivity is improved, but the component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the closing action from a single fixed point and distributes it across a linearly movable die that can engage at different positions. The linear movement mechanism allows the die to be quickly repositioned for each closure operation, reducing the cumulative wear on any single point of contact. This extraction of the closing function across multiple positions and time steps enables high cycle rates while distributing wear evenly across the die surface and moving components, thereby improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clipping tool assembly for closing a closure clip comprising: a first closing tool and a die for applying the clip at a plait-like portion of a packaging; a die drive for reversibly moving the die linearly along a die axis; a tool drive for reversibly moving the first closing tool linearly along a closing axis; wherein the clipping tool assembly is configured to close the clip at the plait-like portion when the first closing tool is moved towards the die; and wherein the die axis and the closing axis intersect each other in the closing region. The invention further relates to packaging machine having such a clipping tool assembly and to the use of a clipping tool assembly.