Spring Force Measurement Device for Tube Sealing Presses

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manual procedure for setting and measuring the spring force in a pressing assembly of a tube forming and sealing device is prone to human error and is not easily reproducible, relying heavily on operator experience.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device and system for setting the spring force in a pressing assembly, which includes a digital dynamometer and an adapter element for precise measurement and adjustment of the spring force, reducing operator dependency and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement procedure is used, then operator experience can be utilized, but measurement precision and repeatability deteriorate due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring force measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A force gauge serves as an intermediary measurement tool between the spring and the operator. The force gauge directly contacts the spring and provides an objective digital reading, eliminating the need for the operator to manually estimate or subjectively assess the spring force, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex automated systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical assessment method is replaced with a digital force gauge that provides electronic measurement and display. This substitution transforms the subjective mechanical sense-based measurement into an objective digital reading, improving precision and repeatability while keeping the device relatively simple

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

2Reliability

If manual setting procedure is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to dependency on operator experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring force setting reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The force gauge provides immediate visual feedback (digital reading) to the operator during the spring setting process. This feedback allows the operator to objectively verify whether the spring force has reached the desired value, improving reliability by eliminating guesswork while maintaining operational simplicity through direct visual guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The spring force is measured and verified before the spring is installed in the final position. This preliminary measurement action allows the spring to be properly set and verified while easily accessible, ensuring reliable force settings without complicating the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system provides more precise and accurate measurements of the spring force, making the procedure more repeatable and less dependent on operator experience, thereby enhancing the quality of the longitudinal sealing process.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure roller is arranged within the tube and connected to the filling pipe through a spring, preferably a leaf spring, exerting in use a spring force onto the longitudinal seam portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4563960A1Measuring device and method for measuring a spring force
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4563960A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563960A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4563960A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described a measuring device (26) for measuring the setting spring force of a spring (24) in a pressing assembly (21) of a tube forming and sealing device (9) with a force gauge (27), in particular a dynamometer (27), for measuring the spring force and provided with a pin (29) configured, in use, to contact the spring (24); an adapter element (28) comprising a loading device (38) configured to control a movement of the pin (29) and gradually increase, in use, the force applied by the pin (29) to the spring (24), and a clamping element (30), preferably with a substantially C shape, couplable in use to a support structure arranged in a fixed position with respect to the spring (24).