Packaging Machine Lifting Mechanism Toggle Lever Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines require a lifting mechanism for raising lower tools that offers good power transmission, cost-effectiveness, and stability, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A lifting mechanism for packaging machines comprising a toggle lever mechanism connected to a support structure, with two actuator assemblies - one acting directly on the lower tool and the other on the toggle lever mechanism, allowing for adaptable force application and improved force transmission by bypassing the toggle lever mechanism during unfavorable transmission ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator assembly is used to raise the lower tool, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and adaptability of force application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into two independent actuator assemblies: a first actuator assembly that directly raises the lower tool, and a second actuator assembly that acts on the toggle lever mechanism. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for specific functions, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of force application by switching between direct actuation (first actuator) and lever-mechanized actuation (second actuator). This allows adaptation to different operating conditions, improving reliability through parameter variation rather than increasing complexity
2Power
If the toggle lever mechanism is used for raising the lower tool, then the power transmission is improved, but the adaptability to different operating states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first actuator assembly serves as an intermediary that can bypass the toggle lever mechanism when needed. This intermediary path allows the system to maintain power transmission efficiency through the toggle lever when advantageous, while providing direct actuation when adaptability to specific operating states is required
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two actuation paths: through the toggle lever mechanism for high power transmission, and directly for adaptability. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operating states while maintaining good power transmission when the toggle lever is engaged
3Device complexity
If a single actuator assembly acting through the toggle lever mechanism is used, then the force application is simplified, but the stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented into two independent paths: direct actuation via the first actuator assembly, and lever-mechanized actuation via the second actuator assembly. This segmentation provides stability through redundant force application paths, allowing the system to maintain stable operation even when one path encounters resistance or instability
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
This solution enables efficient raising of lower tools with improved stability and power transmission, allowing for efficient operation across varying operating states and increased force application when needed, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a toggle lever mechanism (41) which connects the lower tool (23) to a support structure (39)
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator assembly (33) acts upon the lower tool (23), while bypassing the toggle lever mechanism (41)
Implementation Method 3
The second actuator assembly (51) acts upon the toggle lever mechanism (41)
Data Source
AI summary
The work station for a packaging machine comprises an upper tool, a lower tool, and a lifting mechanism. The lower tool is guided for a closing motion directed along a vertical direction towards the upper tool. The lifting mechanism comprises a toggle lever mechanism which connects the lower tool to a support structure. The lifting mechanism comprises a first actuator assembly and a second actuator assembly. The first actuator assembly is configured to apply a first force for raising the lower tool. The second actuator assembly is configured to apply a second force for raising the lower tool. The first actuator assembly acts upon the lower tool while bypassing the toggle lever mechanism. The second actuator assembly acts upon the toggle lever mechanism.