Rotatable Stock Supply Assembly for Dunnage Conversion Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dunnage conversion machines face difficulties in efficiently loading new sheet stock material due to elevated operating positions that are hard to access, requiring cumbersome rotations and alignment maintenance, which complicates the replenishment process.
Innovation Solution
A stock supply assembly with a rotatable support structure that moves between an elevated operating position and a lower loading position, featuring a gas spring system and handle for easy positioning and locking, along with a hingedly secured support member for access, ensures seamless transition and alignment with the dunnage conversion machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stock supply assembly is positioned at an elevated operating position, then the dunnage conversion machine can operate with proper alignment and spacing, but the loading position becomes hard to access and requires cumbersome rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is made rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing the stock supply assembly to dynamically change position between an elevated operating position and a lower loading position. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing easy access during loading while maintaining proper elevation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to the positioning system by allowing rotation about a vertical axis. This creates two distinct vertical levels: an elevated operating position for reliable alignment and a lower loading position for easy access, effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional separation.
2Ease of operation
If the stock supply assembly is rotated to a lower loading position, then operator access is improved, but alignment with the dunnage conversion machine must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support structure allows the system to dynamically adjust between positions. During loading, the assembly is positioned at a lower, more accessible level. The system can then be rotated back to the elevated operating position to restore proper alignment precision with the dunnage conversion machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading operation is performed at a predetermined lower position that provides optimal operator access. After loading is complete, the assembly is rotated back to the elevated operating position to ensure proper alignment is restored before resuming operation, separating the loading and operating functions in space.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable support structure is added to enable position changes, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support structure serves multiple functions: it provides easy access during loading, maintains proper alignment during operation, and enables smooth transition between these states. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by resolving multiple contradictions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring mechanism provides automatic assistance in moving the stock supply assembly between positions, reducing the manual effort required. The system essentially serves itself by using stored mechanical energy to facilitate the positioning changes, offsetting some of the complexity burden.
4Ease of operation
If the stock supply assembly is lowered for loading, then operator access and effort are reduced, but the operating position elevation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vertical position of the stock supply assembly. During loading, it is lowered to reduce operator effort and improve accessibility. During operation, it is elevated to maintain the proper operating position weight and alignment, separating the loading and operating states in the vertical dimension.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient loading of new sheet stock material by lowering the supply assembly to a more accessible position while maintaining proper alignment, reducing operator effort and ensuring continuous operation with minimal disruption.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure has a gas spring that helps to hold the stock supply assembly in both the loading position and the operating position
Data Source
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AI summary
A stock supply assembly for a dunnage conversion machine includes a stock material support having a support structure, such as a shelf for a stack of fan-folded sheet stock material. The stock supply assembly is rotatable between a relatively lower loading position and a relatively higher operating position vertically displaced relative to the loading position.