Servo Synchronized Toggle Lever Lifting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting mechanisms for packaging machines are complex to synchronize and difficult to clean due to multiple lever mechanisms, which complicates maintenance and operation.

Innovation Solution

A lifting device with parallel drive shafts equipped with servomotors and toggle lever systems, where the servomotors are synchronized using mechanical or electrical means, reducing tilting and lateral forces, and featuring a referencing position for precise operation and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple lever mechanisms are used for lifting, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device becomes complex and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of lever mechanismsVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is divided into two independent but synchronized drive shafts, each with its own servomotor and toggle lever system. This segmentation allows each side to be simpler and easier to clean, while the overall lifting function is maintained through coordinated operation of both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms (such as gear connections or belt drives between multiple levers) with independent servomotors that are electronically synchronized. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, reducing the number of parts and making the device easier to clean.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If complex lever mechanisms are used, then lifting motion is achieved, but synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization mechanismVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical synchronization mechanisms with electronic synchronization through servomotors. The servomotors receive synchronized control signals and independently adjust their rotation to maintain precise synchronization, eliminating the complexity of mechanical gear connections or belt drives while achieving high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The servomotors incorporate feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor their rotation position and adjust accordingly to maintain synchronization. This feedback control ensures that even if one side experiences slight variations in load or friction, the system automatically corrects to maintain synchronized operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If drive shafts rotate in opposite directions, then tilting and lateral forces are reduced, but mechanical coupling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical movement stabilityVSAvoidmechanical coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling between drive shafts with electronic synchronization of independent servomotors. Each servomotor independently controls its drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for mechanical gear connections or belt drives while maintaining the stability benefits of counter-rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2666727B1Lifting device for a packing machine
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2666727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2666727B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2666727B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lifting device (1) for a workstation of a packaging machine comprising two drive shafts (3) arranged parallel to each other, on each of which at least two toggle levers (4) are arranged to move a tool lower part (9) vertically. The drive shafts (3) each have a servo motor (10) as a drive and the servo motors (10) are synchronized to each other.