Seaming Shaft Quick-Lock Tool Change for Different Container Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can seamers require time-consuming and complicated tool changes for adapting to different container shapes, leading to significant downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A folding shaft device with a removably attached folding means and a fastening mechanism that allows easy transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick removal and replacement of folding tools using a locking element and fastening element that moves relative to the folding axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the folding means is permanently fixed to the folding shaft, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the tool changes are time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The folding means is divided into a separate removable component that can be detached from the folding shaft. The fastening mechanism includes a locking element and a fastening element that can be quickly released, allowing the folding means to be segmented into replaceable modules for different container shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through relative movement along the folding axis. The locking element and folding means move relative to each other, enabling the folding means to be quickly detached and reattached for different container types.
2Loss of time
If the folding means is made removable for quick tool changes, then the downtime is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening and locking functions are extracted as separate dedicated elements rather than being integrated into the main folding means structure. This allows the removal mechanism to be simple and straightforward, reducing the overall complexity while enabling quick tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary component between the locking element and the folding means. This intermediate element simplifies the interaction between parts, allowing the folding means to be easily attached and detached without complex multi-step mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a simple fastening mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of the connection may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with a conical shape that tapers along the folding axis. This geometric form provides self-centering and progressive engagement, ensuring reliable locking through the simple conical geometry without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical locking element changes the geometric parameters along its length, with the diameter varying to create a tapering effect. This parameter change provides increasing engagement force as the locking element moves along the folding axis, ensuring secure connection while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a seaming-shaft device (1) for a seamer (14) comprising a seaming shaft (3, 3A), which is rotatable about a seaming axis (X), a seaming means (2, 10), which is arranged detachably on an end of the seaming shaft (3, 3A), and a fastening mechanism for fastening the seaming means (2, 10) on the seaming shaft (3, 3A), wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a locking element (4) and a fastening element (5) that can be arranged between the locking element (4) and the seaming means (2, 10). The locking element (5) and the seaming means (2, 10) are movable in relation to one another along the seaming axis (X) in such a way that the seaming means (2, 10) can be brought from a locking state into an unlocking state, and in the locking state the fastening element (5) is clamped in between the seaming means (2, 10) and the locking element (4) in such a way that the seaming means (2, 10) is fixed on the seaming shaft (3, 3A), wherein, by bringing the seaming means (2, 10) from the locking state into the unlocking state, the fastening element (5) can be unclamped, and so the seaming means (210) is arranged detachably on the end of the seaming shaft (3, 3A).