Rotating Punch Marking Head Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking machines are either bulky and difficult to control, or compact but expensive, with challenges in positioning precision and energy efficiency, particularly in creating patterns on articles like glass, metal, or plastic containers.
Innovation Solution
A marking machine with a punch having rotational mobility about a fixed axis, combined with translational mobility along a marking axis, allowing for precise positioning and reduced bulk, achieving a 20-30% space saving and improved marking quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a punch with translational mobility in vertical and transverse directions is used, then the marking head achieves positioning capability, but the marking head becomes relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the punching mechanism from translational movement in vertical and transverse directions to rotational movement about a fixed axis. This dimensional change allows the flat pattern plate to achieve positioning through rotation, significantly reducing the marking head's bulk while maintaining positioning precision. The rotational movement enables the punch to access different positions on the article surface without requiring large transverse travel space.
2Volume of moving object
If a roller with rotational and translation mobility is used, then the marking head becomes more compact, but the position of the cylindrical marking surface becomes more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a cylindrical roller marking surface that is difficult to position, the patent inverts the approach by using a flat pattern plate with rotational mobility. The flat surface provides easier positioning control through rotational indexing, while the rotation itself enables compact head design. This inversion of the marking surface geometry (from cylindrical to flat) resolves the positioning difficulty while maintaining compactness.
3Ease of operation
If a flat pattern plate with translational mobility is used, then the position control is easy, but the marking head requires larger space for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static flat pattern plate into a dynamically rotating component. The flat pattern plate maintains its ease of positioning through rotational indexing, while the rotational mobility eliminates the need for large transverse movement space. The dynamic rotation allows the same marking surface to access different positions on the article, reducing the required stationary space for the marking head.
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
The solution provides a compact marking head with precise positioning capabilities, reducing energy consumption and costs while enhancing marking quality and defect compensation, using a flat pattern plate made of silicone which is less expensive than cylindrical alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
the punch creates a mark by striking the article with translational mobility along the marking axis
Implementation Method 2
the punch has rotational mobility about an axis of rotation that is fixed with respect to the support
Implementation Method 3
the flat pattern plate may advantageously be made of silicone, which is elastically deformable at the time of the marking of the article
Data Source
AI summary
A marking machine for marking an article and a method of operating the same. The marking machine has a marking head including a support and at least one punch. The marking machine also includes a positioning system configured to position the article with respect to the punch. The punch has rotational mobility about an axis of rotation that is fixed with respect to the support.