Processing Machine Tab Cut-Outs Transverse Longitudinal Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing machines, such as carton cutting machines, are unable to produce flap cuts in packaging materials like cardboard, which limits process reliability and visual appeal, and require expensive, inflexible punching tools for tab cuts.

Innovation Solution

A processing machine equipped with a first and second cutting device, where the first device is integrated with a transverse tool and the second with a longitudinal tool, allowing for cost-effective and flexible production of tab cuts without the need for specialized punching tools, using circular cutting blades and a pressure roller to ensure clean edges and prevent slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If punching tools are used to produce tab free cuts, then tab cuts can be achieved, but the device becomes expensive and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting devices are integrated into the existing transverse and longitudinal tools, allowing the same tool structure to perform both traditional cutting functions and the new tab cut function. This universal application eliminates the need for specialized punching tools while maintaining the ability to produce tab-free cuts when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting devices can be advanced or retracted as needed, allowing the system to dynamically switch between producing packaging blanks with tab cuts and without tab cuts. This dynamic capability provides flexibility to adapt to different packaging types and production requirements without being constrained by fixed tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If punching tools are used to produce tab free cuts, then tab cuts can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting devices are merged with the existing transverse and longitudinal tool structures, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system. This merging approach avoids the need for separate, complex punching tool assemblies while achieving the same tab-free cut functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cutting devices serve multiple purposes: they can perform traditional cutting operations and also produce tab-free cuts by advancing the cutting elements. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate specialized tools for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If simple incisions are made instead of tab cuts, then device complexity is reduced, but process reliability and visual appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprocess reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system can dynamically adjust between producing simple incisions and producing proper tab-free cuts by advancing the cutting devices. This dynamic capability allows the machine to maintain simple overall structure while being able to produce high-quality tab-free cuts when process reliability is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized punching tools are manufactured for certain dimensions, then tab cuts can be produced, but adaptability to new requirements is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab cut precisionVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting devices can be advanced to different positions to accommodate different packaging dimensions and tab cut requirements. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same tool structure to maintain manufacturing precision across various package sizes without requiring specialized tooling for each dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can change operational parameters such as the advancement distance of the cutting devices to produce different tab cut configurations. This parameter adjustment capability provides flexibility to adapt to new packaging requirements while maintaining cut precision through controlled movement of the cutting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and flexible production of tab cuts independently of packaging type or size, reducing costs and allowing for production without cut-out tabs, enhancing process reliability and visual appeal while maintaining high flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a first cutting device (2) with a punching knife (7) and a second cutting device (30) with a pair of cutting blades (31, 32), with which an end edge and the longitudinal edges of the tab cutouts can be realized without delay

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

a pressure roller can be provided parallel to the pair of cutting knives in the second direction, which is preferably guided on a common axis with at least one of the cutting knives of the pair of cutting knives. The pressure roller is used to hold down the workpiece with the pair of cutting knives during cutting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2623278B1Processing machine and method for flap cut-outs
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 HOMAG AUTOMATION
  • EP2623278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2623278B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2623278B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a processing machine and a method with which workpieces, for example cardboard packaging material, can be processed. A processing machine according to the invention comprises a first cutting device with a cutting die combined with a transverse tool, and a second cutting device with a pair of cutting blades combined with a longitudinal tool.