Reversible Pusher Tag Feeder for Clipping Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for feeding tags to clipping machines often result in faulty separation of single tags from chains, leading to interruptions and increased production costs due to the complexity and expense of perforating the tags as predetermined breaking points, which can be inconsistent and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A tag feeder with a reversible pusher mechanism and a drive mechanism, including a cutting tool and clamping device, allows for precise separation of tags without perforations, ensuring efficient feeding by moving the pusher means between minimum and maximum displacement positions to accurately cut and dispense tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perforations are provided as predetermined breaking points to enhance tag separation, then tag separation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from the tag structure itself (perforations) and transfers it to a dedicated separation device. The pusher means with cutting tool physically separates tags by applying mechanical force and cutting, eliminating the need for pre-made perforations in the tags while achieving reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher means acts as an intermediary device between the tag chain and the dispensing mechanism. It provides the separation function through a dedicated mechanical structure (pusher means with cutting tool) rather than relying on inherent tag features like perforations, thereby simplifying tag manufacturing.
2Reliability
If perforations are used as predetermined breaking points, then tag separation is enhanced, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation function is extracted from the tag manufacturing process and assigned to a dedicated separation device (pusher means with cutting tool). This eliminates the need for expensive perforation equipment and processes during tag production, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, replaceable cutting tool on the pusher means that can be easily maintained or replaced, rather than investing in complex perforation equipment. This approach reduces capital expenditure and maintenance costs while achieving the same separation function.
3Manufacturing precision
If a reversible pusher mechanism with cutting tool is used for tag separation, then tag separation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pusher means for transporting tags, the cutting tool for separation, and the drive mechanism for actuation. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving separation accuracy while making the overall system more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher means is designed with reversible movement capability, allowing it to move forward to push and separate tags, then retract to reset for the next tag. This dynamic movement, controlled by the drive mechanism, enables precise separation positioning and consistent tag dispensing, improving manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a tag feeder (TF) for feeding tags (T) being provided in a chain of tags (CT), in a feeding direction (R) to a dispensing position within a clipping machine. Moreover, the invention concerns a method for feeding tags. The tag feeder is provided with a feeding mechanism (10) with at least one pusher means (40) for transporting the chain of tags (CT). The pusher means (40) are reversible movable parallel to the feeding direction (R) between a first and a second position wherein, in the first position, the pusher means (40) are in a minimum displacement to the dispensing position, and wherein, in the second position, the pusher means (40) are in a maximum displacement to the dispensing position. Furthermore, the feeding mechanism (10) comprises at least one cutting tool (60) for cutting―off the foremost tag (T1) of the chain of tags (CT), viewed in the feeding direction (R), in the first position and at least one clamping device (80) for clamping the chain of tags (CT) when the foremost tag (T1) is arranged in the first position.