Intermittent Rotating Forming Device for Double Packet Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging lines for forming double packets are complex, cumbersome, and inefficient due to the need for multiple components and structural elements to shape and transfer double U-shaped collars, which can be damaged by high-speed impacts during the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional forming device that intermittently rotates along a circular path, coordinating with supply, folding, and transfer stations to form a T-shaped collar, which is then completed into a double U-shape within a wrapping device's pocket, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging lines use multiple separate components and structural elements to shape and transfer collars, then the collars can be formed, but the device complexity increases and the line becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (collar shaping, folding, and transfer) into a single integrated rotatable conveyor system. The conveyor simultaneously performs leading-in, folding, and positioning operations that were previously done by separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining collar formation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the leading-in element and the folding mechanism, while also serving as the transfer device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structural elements for each operation, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity.
2Productivity
If fixed lead-in elements are used with high-speed conveyor means, then productivity increases, but the impact between moving collar and lead-in element causes harm to the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed lead-in element into a dynamic system where the rotatable conveyor moves with the collar at each stage of the process. The conveyor rotates to match the collar's position, maintaining relative motion compatibility and eliminating harmful impacts while preserving high-speed operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable conveyor acts as an intermediary between the collar and the fixed frame structure. Instead of the collar directly impacting a fixed lead-in element, the intermediary conveyor absorbs and manages the motion, allowing high-speed operation without collar damage through coordinated rotational movement.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting and folding stations are used to shape collars, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but the loss of time increases due to multiple transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous collar formation by integrating cutting, folding, and positioning operations into a single rotatable conveyor system. The collar undergoes all shaping operations in continuous motion without being transferred between separate stations, eliminating idle time while maintaining precision through the conveyor's controlled rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is preliminarily positioned and prepared on the rotatable conveyor before the actual folding operation. The conveyor pre-positions the collar in the correct orientation and location, allowing the folding operation to occur immediately in the correct position without requiring separate transfer and repositioning steps, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for forming a collar (26) of a double packet, wherein said collar (26) comprises at least a base sheet (27) on which at least a central rib (25) and at least two lateral flaps (29) protruding from said base sheet (27) are made. The forming apparatus comprises a forming dev ice (34) rotatable intermittently and provided with one or more heads (35) to hold the base sheet (27) of the collar (26) in position in an extended condition, in order to move the base sheet (27) along a segment of a circular operating path (P) between a supply station (P1), a folding station (P2) and a transfer station (P3). The intermittent rotation of the forming device (34) is coordinated with the angular position of the supply station (P1), folding station (P2) and transfer station (P3) along the operating path (P). The forming device (34) is configured to cooperate selectively and by means of the intermittent rotation along the operating path (P).