Parallelogram Linkage Drive for Compact Packaging Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices for packaging machines struggle to generate high forces in a compact space, particularly in thermoforming applications, where efficient movement and precise control are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a drive system comprising a base, a carriage, and pivotably articulated levers forming a parallelogram, allowing for reciprocating movement along one direction while blocking movement in a perpendicular direction, utilizing a spindle drive with a planetary screw for precise control and high load capacity, and a modular structure with rail guides for adaptable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional lifting devices are used to generate high forces, then sufficient lifting capacity is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device changes the dimension of movement from vertical (first direction) to horizontal (second direction). The carriage moves horizontally along rail guides while the levers convert this horizontal movement into vertical lifting motion, allowing the drive unit to be positioned in the horizontal plane rather than requiring vertical space for the lifting mechanism itself
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is segmented into functionally independent components: the drive unit generates horizontal motion, the levers (forming a parallelogram mechanism) convert this to vertical motion, and the guide device constrains movement to the first direction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall space requirements
2Productivity
If toggle lever drives are used for lifting movements, then lifting capability is achieved, but control precision and cycle rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional toggle lever mechanism is replaced with a drive unit that uses a spindle and planetary screw mechanism. This substitution provides precise control of the carriage movement along the second direction, enabling accurate control of the lifting motion and higher cycle rates while maintaining the force multiplication benefit of the lever system
Solution Approach 2:
The parallelogram mechanism formed by the levers provides dynamic motion conversion where the horizontal movement of the carriage is continuously transformed into vertical lifting motion. The geometry of the parallelogram ensures smooth, controlled movement throughout the lifting cycle, improving both precision and speed
3Device complexity
If the drive unit is positioned to generate lifting motion directly, then simple structure is achieved, but the drive elements must be displaced vertically which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device positions the drive unit to move horizontally along the second direction rather than vertically. The rail guides constrain the carriage to horizontal movement only, while the levers mounted on the carriage convert this horizontal motion into vertical lifting of the component, eliminating the need for vertical displacement of drive elements
Solution Approach 2:
The levers act as an intermediary mechanism between the horizontally moving carriage and the vertically moving component. This intermediary converts the drive unit's horizontal motion into the required vertical lifting motion, allowing the drive unit to remain in a fixed horizontal position while still achieving vertical lifting functionality
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 high-force generation in a small space with precise control and high cycle rates, ensuring reliable movement of components like lifting plates without vertical displacement of drive elements, suitable for thermoforming packaging machines.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle drive with a planetary screw for precise control and high load capacity
Implementation Method 2
spindle drive with a planetary screw
Implementation Method 3
at least two levers pivotably articulated to the slide and the component, the component, the slide, and the levers forming a parallelogram
Implementation Method 4
component, the slide, and the levers forming a parallelogram
Implementation Method 5
the component or the base is guided slidably in the first direction by means of the guide device, and a relative movement between the component and the base in the second direction is blocked by means of the guide device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device and a station of a packaging machine with a drive device for generating a reciprocating movement of a component (2) along a first direction (I) relative to a base (10), wherein the drive device (1) comprises a slide (3) arranged slidably along a second direction (II) on the base (10), a drive unit (5) and at least two levers (4) pivotably articulated to the slide (3) and the component (2), the component (2), the slide (3) and the levers (4) forming a parallelogram, the slide (3) being movable along the second direction by means of the drive unit (5) and the movement of the slide (3) being convertible into a movement of the component (2) along the first direction (I) relative to a base (10) by means of the levers (4).