Line-Changing Device for Flexible Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line-changing devices for automatic horizontal flexible container forming and filling machines are complex and lack a direct relationship between clamp positioning and vertical and horizontal movements, making it difficult to efficiently transfer containers from a lower to a higher line with increased separation.
Innovation Solution
A line-changing device with clamps operated between open and closed positions, mounted on moving supports guided by horizontal cams and a lifting carriage, allowing for controlled transfer from a first line to a second line with increased separation, utilizing regulating means to adjust cam inclination and separation distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex line-changing device with multiple guide supports and clamp-holding carriages is used, then the containers can be transferred from the first line to the second line with increased separation, but the device complexity increases and the relationship between clamp positioning and movement becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a lifting carriage that moves vertically, multiple moving supports that slide on horizontal guides, and clamps that grip containers. Each segment has a specific function, allowing independent adjustment and control of container separation while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the container transfer mechanism. The lifting carriage moves vertically to elevate containers from the first horizontal line to the second horizontal line, enabling increased separation between containers in the transferred line while maintaining a relatively simple horizontal guide structure
2Manufacturing precision
If regulating means are added to adjust clamp positions on rocker arms, then the container separation can be controlled, but the operation difficulty increases and the direct relationship between positioning and movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Horizontal linear guides serve as intermediaries between the moving supports and the container separation requirement. The guides constrain the moving supports to move only in the horizontal direction, providing a direct and predictable relationship between clamp positioning and container separation without complex regulating mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamic moving supports that can slide freely along the horizontal guides during operation. This dynamic capability allows the clamps to automatically adjust their positions relative to each other as they move, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise container separation through the geometric arrangement of the guides
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
The solution provides a simple and reliable mechanism for transferring flexible containers from a lower to a higher line with increased separation, ensuring efficient operation and easy adjustment of separation distances using a single actuator, enhancing the machine's functionality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the moving supports has a cam follower coupled to a corresponding linear cam of a plurality of diverging linear cams fixed to a framing of the machine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The line-changing device for an automatic horizontal flexible container forming and filling machine comprises a plurality of clamps (1) installed on respective supports (2) which move between a receiving position for gripping a group of flexible containers (E) located in a first line (L1) and a delivery position for releasing the containers in a second line (L2) which is at a higher level than the first line (L1). The containers (E) are more separated from one another in the second line (L2) than in the first line (L1). The supports (2) are coupled to one or more horizontal guides (3) fixed to a lifting carriage (7) which moves vertically between a lower position corresponding to the first line (L1) and an upper position corresponding to the second line (L2). Each support (2) has a cam follower (4) coupled to a cam (5) of a plurality of upwardly diverging cams (5).