Packaging Machine Pulling Device Drive Shaft Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic packaging machines have complex and costly pulling devices due to the need for separate power circuits for rotating and distancing driving wheels, which increases volume and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pulling device for single-fold film where the lifting actuator is actuated by the drive shaft, eliminating the need for a separate power circuit and simplifying the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate power circuit (pneumatic or hydraulic) is used to actuate the lifting actuator for distancing driving wheels, then the tensioning on the film during sealing is reduced, but the device complexity, volume, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting actuator's power source with the existing drive shaft that already rotates the driving wheels. The lifting actuator is mechanically coupled to the drive shaft through a coupling device, allowing the same power circuit to perform both rotational motion (for film transport) and lifting motion (for tension reduction during sealing). This eliminates the need for a separate pneumatic or hydraulic circuit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing quality.
2Reliability
If a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting actuator is used to move the driving wheels apart, then the film tensioning is reduced during sealing, but the volume of the pulling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting actuator is integrated into the existing drive shaft assembly rather than being a separate component. The coupling device connects the lifting actuator to the drive shaft, allowing the lifting function to be performed within the existing structural envelope. This integration eliminates the need for additional pneumatic or hydraulic reservoirs, valves, and actuators that would increase device volume.
3Reliability
If electro-valves and pneumatic or hydraulic circuits are used for the lifting actuator, then the driving wheels can be distanced to reduce film tensioning, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive electro-valves and separate pneumatic or hydraulic circuits by using the existing drive shaft as the power source for the lifting actuator. The coupling device provides a simple mechanical connection that can be manufactured using standard machining processes, significantly reducing component count and assembly complexity compared to electro-pneumatic or electro-hydraulic systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic packaging machine, comprising an input conveyor belt, a reel holder, containing a reel of single-fold film, a contoured shaped film former, a sealing bar, a collecting device, an output conveyor belt, and a pulling device with at least an upper driving wheel and a lower driving wheel in contact with a layer of single-fold film interposed between said wheels which, rotating in opposite directions, move the single-fold film along the automatic packaging machine; a drive shaft, which transfers a rotational motion to the driving wheels to move the single-fold film along the automatic packaging machine; a lifting actuator, which moves the upper driving wheel away from the lower driving wheel (or vice versa) when sealing the single-fold film, so as to reduce the tension exerted by the driving wheels on the single-fold film during the sealing step and having a lifting actuator actuated by the drive shaft.