Packaging Machine Spindle Adjustment Without Data Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In packaging machine technology, frequent manual adjustment of spindles for format changes is costly and inefficient due to the lack of a standard, remotely controllable drive system, requiring a dedicated adjusting device with a data interface for each spindle.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a simple adjusting device to recognize and adjust spindles through a predefined detection movement, allowing for automatic position correction without a bidirectional data channel, utilizing a trigger element to initiate the recognition travel and enabling time-controlled adjustment signals for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a remotely controllable drive with data interface is installed for automatic spindle adjustment, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple intermediary device (trigger element) that initiates the automation sequence without requiring complex bidirectional communication. The control unit acts as a mediator that receives the simple trigger signal, identifies the target spindle, and executes the adjustment automatically, thus achieving automation without complex device interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the control unit automatically identifies the spindle to be adjusted and executes the adjustment without human intervention after the initial trigger. The spindle adjustment process becomes self-contained, requiring no continuous external control or complex data exchange
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated adjusting device with data interface is used for each spindle, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal adjusting device that can adjust any spindle on the packaging machine through a single trigger action. The control unit stores adjustment data for multiple spindles and can automatically identify and adjust the target spindle, making one device perform the function of multiple dedicated devices, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit stores copying data representing the target positions for multiple spindles. When adjustment is needed, the control unit retrieves the appropriate copied position data and executes the adjustment, eliminating the need to program each spindle individually and simplifying the manufacturing and setup process
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of spindles is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores predetermined adjustment data for multiple spindles in advance. When a format change is initiated by the trigger, the system automatically retrieves and executes the pre-stored adjustment data, eliminating the need for manual calculation and adjustment of each spindle during the format change process, thus significantly improving productivity
4Measurement precision
If bidirectional data channel is established between adjusting device and position measuring device, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that receives simple unidirectional signals from the trigger element and converts them into automated adjustment commands. It also acts as a mediator between the position measuring devices and the adjustment execution, processing measurement data and generating appropriate adjustment commands without requiring complex bidirectional communication between the trigger and position measuring devices
Data Source
AI summary
A packing machine and a method for adjusting multiple machine elements on a packaging machine. The position of each machine element is changeable by driving an assigned spindle in a rotary manner. A position measuring device is present on each spindle to measure the position of the assigned spindle. The measurement data of the different position measuring devices are transmittable to a control.