Segmented Pressing Device for Packaging Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressing devices for packaging products into clamp packs face challenges in efficiently pressing products into tightly arranged packaging receptacles without damaging the products or the packaging, especially when adjacent receptacles exert opposing forces, leading to inhibited expansion and potential damage from excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A pressing device with a ram plate and two types of rams, where the first rams are shorter and used for initial contact, and longer second rams, actuated by a pneumatically operated piston, allow for gentle and simultaneous pressing of adjacent products into packaging receptacles, with a servo motor for precise adjustment and a collar for positive locking to prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If packaging receptacles are arranged close together to save space and material costs, then space utilization is improved, but the opposing forces from adjacent receptacles inhibit expansion and increase the risk of damage during pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device is segmented into multiple independent pressing units, each with its own actuating unit. This allows adjacent packaging receptacles to be pressed independently at different times, preventing the opposing forces that would occur if all receptacles were pressed simultaneously. Each pressing unit can be controlled separately to avoid interference between adjacent receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing operation is performed periodically rather than simultaneously for all receptacles. The control unit activates actuating units in a sequential or periodic manner, pressing one receptacle at a time or in small groups. This periodic action allows the packaging material to expand properly in each receptacle without being constrained by simultaneously pressing adjacent receptacles that would generate opposing forces.
2Productivity
If greater pressing force is applied to overcome resistance from tight packaging receptacles, then pressing effectiveness is improved, but products and packaging trays may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device uses dynamically controllable actuating units with adjustable pressing forces. Rather than applying maximum force uniformly, the control unit can dynamically adjust the pressing force for each actuating unit based on the specific requirements of each packaging receptacle and product. This dynamic control allows sufficient force to be applied where needed while preventing excessive force that would damage products or packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing parameters such as force magnitude, pressing speed, and duration can be changed and optimized for different packaging receptacles and products. The control unit allows parameter adjustment to match the specific resistance characteristics of each receptacle, applying only the necessary force to overcome the resistance without exceeding the damage threshold for products or packaging materials.
3Productivity
If multiple products are pressed into adjacent packaging receptacles simultaneously, then production efficiency is improved, but the expansion of packaging receptacles is inhibited due to opposing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing system is divided into multiple independently controllable actuating units, each responsible for a specific packaging receptacle. This segmentation allows the system to press multiple receptacles in a coordinated sequence rather than simultaneously, maintaining production efficiency while ensuring proper expansion of each receptacle without interference from adjacent pressing operations.
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
Enables efficient and gentle pressing of products into packaging receptacles, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing the pressing process by allowing for adjustable ram lengths and precise control, thereby improving the production efficiency and minimizing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
the spinning tool includes a pneumatic cylinder that drives the spinning plate and/or the ram
Data Source
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AI summary
The pressing device (1) for pressing products (5, 6) into packaging recesses (7) formed in a packaging base body (8) comprises a pressing tool (3) with a plunger plate (21) to which at least one first plunger (23) is fixed, and a first actuating unit (9) that moves the pressing tool (3) back and forth in and against a pressing direction (D). Furthermore, the pressing tool (3) comprises at least one second plunger (27) that is slidably mounted in the plunger plate (21) in and against the pressing direction (D), and a second actuating unit (33) integrated into the pressing tool (3) that is operatively connected to the at least one second plunger (27).