Punching Machine Spout Alignment Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag-making apparatuses face inefficiencies in attaching spouts to webs during intermittent feed cycles, as the spout attachment process is not optimized for improved efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A punching machine with a drive mechanism that moves a punch blade and support in a perpendicular direction to punch a hole in the web using a spout, allowing for precise alignment and simultaneous use of the spout and punch blade to create a hole, followed by a seal device for attaching the spout during the pause phase of the feed cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the punching machine moves the punch blade and support in a perpendicular direction to punch a hole using the spout, then the alignment precision and spout attachment efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the drive mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the punching function and spout positioning function into a single integrated punching machine. The support structure serves dual purposes: it holds the spout in precise alignment while also acting as the punching surface. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate positioning devices and reduces overall system complexity despite achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the punch blade and the spout. It provides a stable reference surface that ensures precise alignment during the punching operation, mediating between the moving punch blade and the spout to be attached, thereby achieving high alignment precision without requiring complex separate alignment mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the drive mechanism moves the punch blade or support towards each other, then the spout attachment speed and productivity are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the support towards the punch blade, the patent inverts the approach by moving the punch blade towards the stationary support. This inversion simplifies the drive mechanism design because the support can be a stable, easily manufactured component, while the punch blade movement can be achieved with standard actuating mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with the spout in the correct position and orientation before the punching operation begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment mechanisms during operation, allowing the drive mechanism to focus solely on the punching motion, thereby improving speed while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spout is positioned on the support with the flange facing the web, then the sealing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates localized positioning features specifically at the spout receiving area. These features include precisely machined surfaces and alignment elements only where needed for spout positioning, while the rest of the support structure remains simple. This localized application of precision features achieves high sealing precision without requiring the entire device to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout and support structure are designed to self-align through their geometric features. The flange geometry of the spout and the corresponding receiving surface on the support create a self-positioning mechanism that ensures correct orientation without requiring additional active positioning devices, thereby achieving high sealing precision with minimal positioning complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A punching machine includes a punch blade and a support for supporting a spout. The punching machine further includes a drive mechanism. When the punch blade and the spout supported by the support face each other in a direction perpendicular to a web with the web interposed between the punch blade and the spout, the drive mechanism moves one of the punch blade or the support towards the other in the vertical direction to punch a hole in the web using the punch blade and the spout.