Segmented Folding Roller for Pre-applied Opening Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of sealed packages with pre-applied opening devices on packaging material can interfere with folding rollers during the tube formation process, leading to potential bulging and compromised overlap in small-sized packages, especially when removing a folding roller to accommodate the opening devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a folding roller with recessed slots and teeth to allow opening devices to pass freely while maintaining optimal overlap and preventing radial displacement, ensuring consistent tube formation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folding roller is removed to accommodate opening devices, then the opening devices can pass freely through the guiding assemblies, but the tube formation precision deteriorates due to compromised overlap and potential bulging
Solution Approach 1:
The folding roller is segmented into alternating slots and teeth along its circumference. The slots allow opening devices to pass through freely, while the teeth provide mechanical support to maintain tube formation precision and prevent bulging. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by simultaneously accommodating opening devices and maintaining folding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the folding roller have different functions: slots are positioned at locations where opening devices need to pass through, while teeth are positioned where mechanical support is needed for precise folding. This local differentiation allows the single roller to perform multiple functions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If opening devices are pre-applied on packaging material, then the packages can be opened easily, but the tube formation process becomes more complex due to interference with folding rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The folding roller is divided into alternating slots and teeth, allowing it to accommodate pre-applied opening devices while maintaining folding functionality. This segmentation reduces device complexity by enabling a single roller to handle both opening devices and folding operations without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding roller with slots and teeth serves multiple functions: it folds the packaging material into a tube, allows opening devices to pass through, and maintains tube formation precision. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single component.
3Strength
If the overlapping area is increased to ensure secure sealing, then the sealing strength improves, but the tube diameter increases affecting small-sized package production
Solution Approach 1:
The folding roller provides localized mechanical support at tooth positions to maintain optimal overlap and sealing strength without increasing overall tube diameter. The teeth create concentrated folding points that ensure secure sealing while keeping the tube diameter appropriate for small-sized packages.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit configured to form a tube for producing sealed packages starting from a sheet of packaging material having opening devices pre-applied thereon, comprises at least one guiding assembly configured to interact with the sheet of packaging material to fold it gradually into a tube shape; the guiding assembly comprises a plurality of folding rollers delimiting a passage for the sheet of packaging material and each having a lateral wall configured to cooperate in contact with the sheet of packaging material to control the folding thereof; the folding rollers comprise at least one folding roller having at least one recess on the lateral wall thereof, the recess defining a slot configured to be engaged by the opening devices.