Package Forming Apparatus Drive Mechanism for Shell Assembly Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package forming apparatuses lack flexibility and precise control over shell assemblies, which limits their efficiency in forming packages for pourable products.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a system with drive units that control shell assemblies between idle and operative configurations, allowing for flexible and precise movement of half-shells to form and seal packages, enhancing the control over the package forming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shell assemblies are controlled between idle and operative configurations using existing apparatuses, then package forming operations can be performed, but flexibility and precise control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the shell assemblies movable between idle and operative configurations through a control system. The shell assemblies can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to accommodate different package forming requirements, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that enhances flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Manufacturing precision
If shell assemblies are controlled between idle and operative configurations using existing apparatuses, then package forming operations can be performed, but precise control over half-shells movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Feedback principle by implementing a control system that monitors and adjusts the movement of shell assemblies and half-shells. The system receives feedback on the position and configuration of the shell assemblies, enabling precise control over their movement between idle and operative configurations, thereby achieving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated feedback-based adjustments.
3Productivity
If drive units are added to control shell assemblies, then flexibility and precision are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing drive units that serve multiple functions: controlling the movement of shell assemblies, positioning half-shells, and coordinating transitions between idle and operative configurations. This multi-functional approach increases productivity and efficiency while minimizing the addition of separate components, thereby controlling the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a package forming apparatus (10) comprising a support structure (26) and at least one operative device (22). The operative device (22) comprises a carrier (30) movably coupled to the support structure (26) and a shell assembly (31) controllable between an operative configuration and an idle configuration. The package forming apparatus (10) further comprises a conveying unit (25) configured to move the carrier (30) together with the operative device (22) and a drive unit (37) configured to control each shell assembly (31) between the respective idle configuration and the respective operative configuration. The drive unit (37) comprises a drive mechanism (38) operatively coupled to the shell assembly (31) and being associated to the respective carrier (30) and a drive group (39) mounted to the support structure (26) and coupled to the drive mechanism (38) and configured to induce a difference between the movement of the carrier (30) and the movement of the drive mechanism (38) so as to actuate a movement of the shell assembly (31) between the idle configuration and the operative configuration.