Transversal Sealing Support Rollers for Low-Wear Package Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package forming apparatuses and packaging machines for pourable products, such as Tetra Brik Aseptic packages, require improvements in the transversal sealing and cutting processes to enhance operational efficiency and reduce wear and noise.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a support structure with movable coupling structures featuring rotatable wheels and elastic elements to guide operative devices, ensuring precise linear movement and reduced wear, facilitating better control over transversal sealing and cutting of tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the support device uses rigid coupling structures moving along guides, then the linear movement and control precision are improved, but the wear and noise during operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and movement characteristics of the coupling between support device and guides by introducing damped rollers. The rollers convert sliding friction into rolling friction, and the damping element absorbs vibrations and impacts, thereby reducing wear and noise while preserving the linear movement constraint and control precision along the guides.
2Productivity
If the operative device moves quickly to increase productivity, then the package formation efficiency is improved, but the wear on coupling structures and guides increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element that dynamically responds to movement speed and load variations. As the operative device moves quickly to increase productivity, the damping element absorbs increased impacts and forces, protecting the coupling structures and guides from excessive wear while allowing high-speed operation to maintain productivity.
3Device complexity
If the coupling structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the noise and vibration during operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the damped roller component: it serves as both the coupling element between support device and guide, and simultaneously provides damping to reduce noise and vibration. This integrated solution adds minimal complexity while effectively addressing the harmful factors, unlike simpler couplings that would generate more noise and vibration.
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
This design reduces wear, minimizes bouncing and noise, and improves the operational efficiency of transversal sealing and cutting processes, enhancing the overall performance of the packaging machine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element (42) arranged within the respective second coupling structure (33) and being configured to dampen a movement of the respective support device (31) along the respective first guide (29)
Implementation Method 2
respective first wheel (34) and at least one respective second wheel (35) arranged within the respective second coupling structure (33) and being in contact with the respective second guide (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a package forming apparatus (10) comprising one operative device (25) configured to transversally seal a tube (4) and a support structure (27) movably carrying the operative device (25). The support structure (27) comprises a first guide (29), a second guide (30) and one support device (31) movably coupled to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30) and carrying the operative device (25). The support device (31) comprises a first coupling structure (32) and a second coupling structure (33) coupling the support device (31) to the first guide (29) and the second guide (30) respectively. The second coupling structure (33) comprises at least a first wheel (32) and one or more second wheels (35). The first wheel (32) and each second wheel (33) are arranged such to contact the second guide (30) from opposite sides thereof. The second coupling structure (33) also comprises one or more elastic elements (42), each one coupled to one respective second wheel (35) and being configured to elastically couple the respective second wheel (35) to the second guide (30).