Magnetic Pouch Clamp Assembly for Efficient Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pouching machines rely on spring pressure for holding clamps, requiring external mechanical force for opening and closing, which is inefficient and prone to inadvertent separation during operations.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic pouch clamp assembly using rare earth magnets with adjustable shim spacing and guide slots to maintain clamping surfaces in both open and closed positions, minimizing the number of magnets required while ensuring secure pouch retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If spring pressure is used to hold clamps closed with external mechanical force for opening, then the clamp structure is simple, but the energy efficiency is poor and inadvertent separation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional spring-based mechanical holding system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the clamp body and interacting with ferromagnetic materials in the pouch provide holding force without requiring continuous mechanical actuation, eliminating energy consumption for maintaining the closed position and preventing inadvertent separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the holding force from elastic mechanical pressure (springs) to magnetic attraction force. This parameter change allows the clamp to maintain a constant holding force without energy input and enables precise control of the opening/closing mechanism through magnetic field modulation.
2Reliability
If magnets are used to engage clamping surfaces, then pouch retention is enhanced, but the number of magnets required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic holding system into two components: magnets embedded in the clamp body and ferromagnetic material integrated into the pouch structure. This segmentation allows the magnetic force to be distributed across multiple contact points without requiring numerous individual magnets, as the pouch itself acts as a magnetic interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pouch itself functional as a magnetic element by incorporating ferromagnetic material into its structure. This allows the pouch to serve dual purposes: containing the product and providing the magnetic interface for clamp engagement, thereby reducing the number of magnets needed in the clamp assembly.
3Ease of operation
If external mechanical force is applied to open clamps, then the clamp can be opened, but the operation is inefficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for external mechanical force to open clamps with a magnetic release mechanism. A magnetic actuator or field modulation system enables the clamp to be opened by simply reducing or reversing the magnetic holding force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation and reducing operational errors.
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 magnetic clamp assembly reduces the energy needed to transition between open and closed positions, enhances pouch retention, and prevents inadvertent separation, improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The polarities (+)/(-) of the magnets 160, 162 are oriented such that an attractive force therebetween holds the clamping surfaces 120, 122 in the closed position. The polarity (+)/of the magnet 164 is preferably oriented relative to that of the magnet 160 such that an attractive force therebetween holds the clamping surfaces 120, 122 in the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A magnetic pouch clamp assembly includes a first and second clamping arms and a magnet assembly. The first clamping arms have respective, opposed first and second clamping surfaces. The second clamp arm is slidably connected to the first clamping arm such that the first and second clamping arms are movable between open and closed positions, with the first and second clamping surfaces being engaged in the closed position. The magnet assembly includes a first magnet having a first polarity carried by the first clamping arm and a second magnet having a second polarity carried by the second clamping arm, the first and second polarities being oriented such that a closing attractive force therebetween holds the first and second clamping surfaces in the closed position. A third magnet can be used to hold the clamping surfaces in the open position or to enhance closing forces.