Folding Guides for Sealing Fin Folding in Pourable Product Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding apparatuses for forming finalized packages from semi-finalized packs of pourable products are in need of improvement to enhance the folding process efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A folding apparatus with an innovative design featuring a conveying device and manipulation assembly that includes folding guides and limiting elements to guide and maintain the folding of sealing fins and flaps, along with a bonding device to secure them onto the central main body, all arranged on an oval-like path with rectilinear sections for optimized folding and bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional folding apparatus with linear conveying path is used, then the folding process is simple, but the folding efficiency and quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device advances retaining pockets along an oval-like path instead of a linear path. This curved/oval path allows the semi-finalized packs to follow a smooth trajectory through the folding and bonding stations, improving folding quality and efficiency while distributing the mechanical stress more evenly across the packaging material.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding apparatus divides the folding process into multiple discrete steps performed by separate folding devices at different stations along the oval path. Each folding device handles specific flaps or sealing fins independently, allowing for precise control of each folding operation and improving overall folding quality without requiring a single complex folding mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple folding operations are performed in sequence, then the folding quality improves, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oval-like conveying path enables continuous movement of retaining pockets through multiple folding and bonding operations without stopping. The semi-finalized packs undergo sequential folding and bonding operations as they continuously advance along the oval path, eliminating idle time between operations and maintaining high production speed while achieving high folding quality through multiple precise folding steps.
3Productivity
If the conveying path is extended to accommodate multiple operations, then the folding and bonding operations are more complete, but the apparatus footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding devices and bonding devices are arranged concentrically or in a compact configuration along the oval path, with devices positioned to utilize the available space efficiently. The retaining pockets follow an oval trajectory that allows multiple operational stations to be positioned in a relatively compact area, reducing the overall apparatus footprint while still accommodating all necessary folding and bonding operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a folding apparatus (16) for forming finalized packages (2) from semi-finalized packs (5) filled with a pourable product. The folding apparatus (16) comprises a folding device (46) configured to at least partially fold the respective sealing fins (10) protruding from the respective first end portions (11). The folding device (46) comprises a pair of folding guides (49) arranged at the receiving station (32) and being configured to interact with the respective sealing fins (10) of the semi-finalized packs (5) during their placement within the respective retaining pocket (30). The folding guides (49) are arranged at opposite lateral sides of the respective retaining pocket (30) being, in use, at the receiving station (32). Each folding guide comprises a guide surface (50) having a first guide portion (51) and a second guide portion (52) extending from the first guide portion (50). Each first guide portion (51) is inclined with respect to the respective second guide portion (52).