Lateral Tool Exchange in Thermoform Packaging via Movable Chain Guide

Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoform packaging machines face challenges in efficiently exchanging tool inserts due to high space requirements and interference with the film web, limiting the number of tools that can be stored and complicating the exchange process.

Innovation Solution

A tool changing device with a vertically movable chain guide allows lateral exchange of tool inserts relative to the production direction, eliminating interference with the film web and enabling easy removal and reinstallation without additional drive systems, using actuators like pneumatic cylinders or servo motors for movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tool inserts are exchanged by raising and removing them above the film web, then the tool insert can be replaced, but the film web must be removed from the area and the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool insert exchangeVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the exchange dimension from vertical (above/below film web) to lateral (across the chain guide). The chain guide is made vertically movable to allow the tool insert to be displaced laterally relative to the production direction, enabling tool exchange without removing the film web and without increasing space requirements in the vertical direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The chain guide is made dynamically movable in the vertical direction to accommodate tool insert exchange. The chain guide can be lowered or raised relative to the film web position, allowing the tool insert to be moved laterally while the chain guide adjusts its vertical position to avoid interference with the film web during the exchange process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the chain guide is fixed in position, then the film web can be conveyed reliably, but the tool insert cannot be exchanged laterally without interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm web conveyanceVSAvoidtool insert exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chain guide is made dynamically movable in the vertical direction to accommodate tool insert exchange. The chain guide can be lowered or raised relative to the film web position, allowing the tool insert to be moved laterally while the chain guide adjusts its vertical position to avoid interference with the film web during the exchange process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the functions of the chain guide and the tool insert exchange process. The chain guide maintains its primary function of conveying the film web horizontally, while its vertical position can be adjusted independently to facilitate lateral tool insert exchange, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are kept at the parking position, then tool availability increases, but the space requirements and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool availabilityVSAvoidparking position structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the exchange dimension from vertical (above/below film web) to lateral (across the chain guide). The chain guide is made vertically movable to allow the tool insert to be displaced laterally relative to the production direction, enabling tool exchange without removing the film web and without increasing space requirements in the vertical direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution simplifies and speeds up the tool exchange process, reduces space requirements, and allows for ergonomic and format-dependent tool removal, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing tool changing time.

Implementation Method 1

at least one actuator, e.g. a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one actuator, e.g. a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectServo motor control: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS8790555B2Tool changing device

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be pushed out of the work station laterally relative to the production direction, a chain guide be movable vertically to the tool insert.