Mechanical Ejector System for Elastomer Stopper Die-Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing die-cutting devices for elastomer stoppers face issues with incomplete ejection of stoppers and residue, limiting versatility and adaptability to produce different sizes, due to reliance on pneumatic means that compromise safety and interchangeability.

Innovation Solution

The device employs mechanical ejectors connected via a ball joint and detachable flange, allowing for complete ejection and easy format changes by manually replacing the ejector holder plate, ensuring thorough removal of stoppers and preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pneumatic means are used to eject stoppers, then ejection function is provided, but safety is compromised and interchangeability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinterchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic ejection means with a mechanical ejection system consisting of ejectors that are part of the punch assembly. The ejectors are mechanically coupled to the punches through a common holder plate, allowing direct mechanical ejection without pneumatic components. This substitution improves safety by eliminating high-pressure air systems while maintaining interchangeability through the modular punch-ejector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal ejection system where the same punch assembly structure serves both cutting and ejection functions. The ejectors are integrated into the punch holder plate, allowing the same mechanical assembly to perform multiple functions (cutting and ejecting) without requiring separate pneumatic systems. This enables easy interchangeability between different punch assemblies for different stopper formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If pneumatic ejectors are used, then stoppers can be ejected, but complete ejection is not ensured and residue remains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection completenessVSAvoidresidue
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service ejection mechanism where the punches themselves, through their mechanical motion and the integrated ejectors, perform the ejection function without requiring external pneumatic assistance. The ejectors are positioned to directly contact and push stoppers out of the matrix cavities, ensuring complete ejection through the mechanical force generated during the punching cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If device is designed for specific stopper format, then cutting precision is maintained, but adaptability to different formats is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidformat adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cutting system into interchangeable components, specifically the punch assemblies that can be manually replaced. Each punch assembly is designed with its own ejectors integrated into the holder plate, allowing individual replacement to accommodate different stopper formats while maintaining cutting precision through proper tooling selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the manual replacement capability of punch assemblies. The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically reconfigurable system where the punch-ejector assembly can be changed to match different production requirements, enabling the same base machine to handle various stopper formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3656518B1Device for die-cutting and ejecting elastomer stoppers
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 MECANICA Y TECHA ALIMENTARIA
  • EP3656518B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for die-cutting and ejecting elastomer stoppers comprising: - a cutting matrix (5), - a series of punches (4) facing cavities of the cutting matrix (5) and fastened to a vertically movable punch holder plate (41), and - ejection means of the stoppers retained in the matrix which consist of ejectors (2) that pass through the punches (4) and are arranged facing the cavities of the cutting matrix (5) for mechanically extracting the stoppers, said ejectors (2) being fastened to an ejector holder plate (1) connected to an actuating cylinder (10) by means of a ball joint (11) and a ball joint extension (12) that is fastened to said ball joint (11) by means of a detachable flange (13) that enables the disconnection thereof in order to manually replace the ejector holder plate (1).