Multi-head Box Forming Machine Parallel Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiformat box forming machines are limited in production speed and flexibility due to perpendicular discharge mechanisms, which hinder the simultaneous operation of multiple heads and result in reduced production capacity and increased downtime for format changes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-head multiformat box forming machine with horizontally displaceable mould and die segments, pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for folding and pressing, and motorized spindles for format changes, allowing for parallel discharge of boxes and increased production speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple shaping units are disposed in parallel to increase production capacity, then box production speed increases, but the perpendicular discharge mechanism causes all boxes to cross all heads sequentially, preventing simultaneous operation and reducing actual productivity gain
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge mechanism is segmented into multiple independent discharge points, with each shaping unit having its own dedicated discharge location. This allows boxes from different heads to be discharged simultaneously without interfering with each other, enabling true parallel operation of multiple shaping units and eliminating the sequential crossing bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge mechanism transitions from a perpendicular discharge arrangement to a horizontal discharge arrangement. By changing the discharge direction from perpendicular to horizontal, boxes can be discharged laterally from each head independently, allowing simultaneous discharge from multiple heads without boxes crossing each other's paths.
2Device complexity
If the discharge mechanism is perpendicular to the feeder, then the structure is simplified, but all formed boxes must cross all heads sequentially, slowing down the box forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge mechanism changes from a perpendicular discharge arrangement to a horizontal discharge arrangement. By changing the discharge direction from perpendicular to horizontal, boxes can be discharged laterally from each head independently, allowing simultaneous discharge from multiple heads without boxes crossing each other's paths, thereby increasing box forming speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If format changes are made frequently to meet varied packaging needs, then adaptability increases, but machine downtime and reconfiguration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mould and die segments are made dynamically reconfigurable through motorized positioning systems. The segments can be quickly adjusted between different positions and configurations to accommodate various box formats, enabling rapid format changes without extensive manual reconfiguration or machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaping units are designed with universal, multi-functional mould and die segments that can be positioned to create different box formats. This allows a single shaping unit to handle multiple box types and sizes by repositioning the segments, increasing adaptability while minimizing the need for dedicated tools for each format.
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
Enables faster production of various box formats with reduced downtime and costs by allowing simultaneous operation of multiple heads and efficient discharge of formed boxes, thereby increasing production capacity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for folding and pressing
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for folding and pressing
Implementation Method 3
motorized spindles for format changes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-head multiformat box forming machine, using die-cut cardboard sheets, having three differentiated areas: a feeding area, a shaping area and a discharge area, wherein the multi-head multiformat box forming machine enables the shaping of different cardboard box formats using the same machine and at greater speed than simple multiformat box forming machines, saving down times and costs associated thereto.