Packaging Transport Device With Suction Plate And Linear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems face challenges in precisely and efficiently transferring shell parts to deep-drawing stations, leading to manufacturing inaccuracies and increased costs due to space-consuming transfer drums and suction units that require complex construction and are limited by specific tray formats.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system with a compact transport device comprising a grouping unit and a transfer unit, where the transfer unit uses a suction plate with adjustable linear drive and form-fitting receiving molds to grip and transport trays in a predetermined format, allowing for precise and versatile transfer without the need for extensive machine modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transfer drum with indentations is used to transfer trays, then trays can be transferred from transport means to film web, but the transfer drum requires a lot of space and the transfer is difficult to synchronize with the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer function is segmented from a large centralized drum into multiple smaller suction units distributed along the transport path. Each suction unit handles a specific tray position independently, reducing the space required for each transfer element while maintaining overall transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Suction cups are introduced as intermediary elements between the transport means and the film web. These suction cups temporarily hold trays during transfer, enabling precise positioning and synchronization without requiring a large transfer drum.
2Ease of operation
If a suction unit is used to transfer structural elements, then trays can be picked up from inside the base, but the suction unit must be deep extending to the inside of the base, taking up considerable space and necessitating costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire packaging machine to accommodate deep suction units, the invention uses suction cups that replicate the tray-picking function at a shallower depth. The suction cups are positioned to access trays from the top surface rather than requiring deep insertion into the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction units are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing them to adapt to different tray formats and depths dynamically. This flexibility eliminates the need for costly fixed modifications to the machine structure for each tray type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suction is used at the bottom of packaging, then trays can be transferred, but a suitable flat surface is required, limiting the application to certain packaging formats
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suctioning trays from the bottom up, the invention inverts the approach by suctioning trays from the top down. The suction cups engage with the top surface of the trays, which are positioned on the transport means, eliminating the requirement for flat bottom surfaces and expanding compatibility to various tray formats.
4Manufacturing precision
If the feeding device protrudes into the installation space of the packaging machine, then trays can be supplied in predetermined format, but this influences the machine design and creates structural dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The tray formatting function is extracted from the main packaging machine structure and placed in a separate feeding device. This feeding device can be positioned outside the machine's installation space, supplying pre-formatted trays to the machine without creating structural dependencies or design constraints within the machine itself.
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 precise, efficient, and cost-effective transfer of packaging elements to deep-drawing stations, reducing manufacturing inaccuracies and increasing production flexibility while minimizing space and construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction plate (19) with a large number of suction holes (30) for suctioning the packaging elements (VE) to its inner surface (31) by means of a vacuum (VK) applied to the suction plate (19)
Implementation Method 2
a linear drive (20) with a guide (21) attached to the machine frame (6) and a carriage (22) adjustable to the guide (21) in or against a working direction (R) of the packaging machine (1), to which the suction plate (19) is attached
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging system (100) comprising a packaging machine (1) and a feeding device (15) for the packaging machine (1), by means of which packaging elements (VE) for receiving products (16) in a predetermined format (F) can be fed to the packaging machine (1) for a packaging process taking place thereon, wherein the packaging machine (1) has a machine frame (6), at least one workstation (A) attached to the machine frame (6), and a transport device (16) comprising a grouping unit (60) for receiving the packaging elements (VE) fed to the packaging machine (1) by means of the feeding device (15), and a transfer unit (14) for transporting the packaging elements (VE) received therein to the workstation (A), wherein the grouping unit (60) and the transfer unit (14) can be brought together by means of a relative movement such thatthat packaging elements (VE) positioned on the grouping unit (60) can be picked up by means of the transfer unit (14), and wherein the transfer unit (14) is designed to grasp the packaging elements (VE). The invention also relates to a method for producing a package (V).