Rotatable Creasing Die for Fast, Precise Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing creasing units require manual and time-consuming format changes of dies, leading to prolonged machine downtime, potential human error, and imperfect fit, resulting in defective creasing and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A creasing unit with a die that rotates within a shaped seat, allowing format changes by rotating the die without removing it, ensuring precise coupling and alignment, facilitated by rotation means and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual removal and reinsertion of the die is performed for format change, then the die can be repositioned, but machine downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The die is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis, transforming the static die into a dynamic component that can change format by rotation rather than removal. The die includes rotation means (pins at ends running along the longitudinal axis) that enable it to rotate within the shaped seat, allowing quick format changes without interrupting the machine setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The format change operation is moved from the insertion/removal dimension to the rotational dimension. By adding rotational capability about the longitudinal axis, the system changes format by rotating the die to different angular positions, each presenting a different groove format to the punch, thereby solving the productivity issue.
2Ease of operation
If manual insertion of the die is performed, then the die can be positioned, but human error occurs and creasing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The die is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis, transforming the static die into a dynamic component that can change format by rotation rather than removal. The die includes rotation means (pins at ends running along the longitudinal axis) that enable it to rotate within the shaped seat, allowing quick format changes without interrupting the machine setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means provide positional feedback and confirmation when the die is correctly oriented. The system includes mechanisms that detect and lock the die at precise angular positions, ensuring that the groove is properly aligned with the punch before creasing operation begins, thereby eliminating human error in positioning.
3Reliability
If magnets are used to hold the die, then die retention is improved, but production costs increase and fit precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The die is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis, transforming the static die into a dynamic component that can change format by rotation rather than removal. The die includes rotation means (pins at ends running along the longitudinal axis) that enable it to rotate within the shaped seat, allowing quick format changes without interrupting the machine setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention system is replaced with a purely mechanical coupling system. The shaped seat and die features provide mechanical retention through interlocking geometries and locking means, eliminating the need for magnets and their associated complexity while achieving more precise fit and retention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
Creasing unit (10), particularly for creasing sheets, comprising a support (30) with a shaped seat (31) configured to accommodate a die (40) with a longitudinal extension along a second extension axis (X2) and a punch (20). The shaped seat (31) is defined by a first partially cylindrical surface (32). The die (40) comprises at least two work portions (41) with a longitudinal extension parallel to the second extension axis (X2), at least two partially cylindrical second surfaces (42) complementary to this first surface (32) and rotation means (43) configured to allow the rotation of the die (40) within the shaped seat (31) about the second extension axis (X2).