Punch-Side Clip Removal in Packaging Machine Closing Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face issues with closure means breaking during the closing operation, leading to stuck remnants that cause downtimes and production losses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a punch side removal unit and optionally a die side removal unit to actively remove or prevent closure clips or their remnants from getting stuck in the clipping tool assembly and gathering means, utilizing pneumatic or mechanical means to ensure a secure closing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If closure means are used to close the plait-like portion, then the packaging process is completed, but the closure means may break and get stuck in the clipping tool assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (broken closure means) by introducing a removal unit that actively removes broken closure means from the clipping tool assembly. This prevents the broken closure means from causing downtime and maintains continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit acts as an intermediary between the closing operation and the potential harm of broken closure means. It intervenes to catch and remove broken closure means before they can cause problems in the clipping tool assembly or gathering means.
2Ease of manufacture
If the punch is reversibly movable towards the die for closing the closure means, then the closing operation is performed, but remnants of broken closure means can get stuck in guide elements
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit extracts remnants of broken closure means from guide elements and other portions of the clipping tool assembly, preventing accumulation and maintaining simplicity in the guide elements without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit is integrated into the existing closing operation cycle, automatically removing broken closure means without requiring separate manual intervention or complex additional systems. The system serves itself by incorporating the removal function into the normal operation.
3Reliability
If closure clips are applied to the plait-like portion, then the packaging is sealed, but the closure clips may get stuck in the clipping tool assembly or gathering means
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit serves as an intermediary that continuously monitors and removes closure clips from the clipping tool assembly and gathering means, preventing them from getting stuck and causing downtime. It acts as a protective barrier between the closing operation and potential jams.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit operates continuously or in synchronization with the closing operation to ensure that closure clips are removed as they are applied or immediately after, maintaining continuous operation without interruption for manual removal and eliminating downtime.
4Reliability
If the removal unit is added to remove broken closure means, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit is designed to perform multiple functions: removing broken closure means, preventing closure clips from getting stuck, and potentially clearing guide elements. This multi-functionality justifies the addition while maximizing the benefit-to-complexity ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit is integrated into the existing system architecture, utilizing available space and motion cycles in the closing operation. It operates autonomously as part of the normal cycle, requiring minimal additional control complexity while providing continuous reliability improvement.
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
Prevents closure clips from getting stuck, reduces downtimes, and enhances the reliability and efficiency of the packaging process by ensuring smooth operation of the packaging machine.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pneumatic or mechanical means to ensure a secure closing operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging machine (100) for filling goods into a packaging (N), like a netting, the packaging machine (100) comprising: gathering means (130); and a clipping tool assembly (120) including at least one punch (122a) and at least one die (124a), for applying at least one closure means (C) in a closing region (CR) of the clipping tool assembly (120), wherein the packaging machine (100) further comprises at least one removal unit (150) for removing a closure means (C) or remains thereof stuck in a portion of the clipping tool assembly (120) and/or the gathering means (130); wherein the removal unit (150) is a punch side removal unit (150) arranged on a punch side of the closing region (CR), and configured to act towards the closing region (CR). The invention further relates to a method and to a punch side removal unit.