Spring-Loaded Pressing Device for Crease-Free Flat Material Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep-pressing processes for flat materials like paper, cardboard, and other fibrous materials often result in uncontrolled creases during three-dimensional forming, affecting the appearance, dimensional stability, and strength of the finished object, with existing solutions like embossing being inadequate to prevent visible creases.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flat, ring-shaped pressing device and a base, equipped with spring elements and a servo motor drive, allows for even pressure distribution and controlled movement to prevent creases by fully loading spring elements and using levers to maintain constant contact pressure, enabling precise control over the forming process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If deep forming processes are used for flat materials, then the degree of transformation is improved, but uncontrolled folds and creases occur in the material compression area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of transformationVSAvoidcontrol of folds and creases
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the material by controlling moisture content and applying specific temperature ranges during forming. This allows the material to achieve the necessary plasticity for deep transformation while maintaining control over fold formation through adjusted mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of forming parameters including variable pressure application, controlled material feed rate, and adaptive heating zones. This dynamic control allows the system to respond to material behavior in real-time, preventing uncontrolled folds while achieving deep transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If embossing is used to predetermine wrinkle locations, then the appearance is improved, but the process becomes a last resort rather than prevention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary conditioning to the material before forming, including moisture adjustment and pre-heating, to optimize its forming characteristics. This preliminary preparation prevents crease formation during the actual forming process, eliminating the need for post-processing embossing corrections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the natural tendency of the material to crease during compression into a beneficial controlled deformation pattern. By understanding and utilizing the material's compression behavior, the system directs potential creases into controlled fold lines that enhance rather than detract from the final appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Force

If spring elements are used to limit contact force, then force peaks are prevented, but the clamping force uniformity needs improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact force limitationVSAvoidclamping force uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the clamping system into multiple independent spring-loaded zones that can be individually adjusted. Each segment applies force through its own spring elements, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire clamping surface while preventing localized force peaks through segmented force application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different spring characteristics and pre-loads in different regions of the clamping system based on local material requirements. This allows optimization of clamping force uniformity in specific areas while maintaining overall force control, addressing local variations in material thickness and forming requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution ensures that the material is held evenly and formed without visible creases, maintaining the stability and quality of the three-dimensional object, allowing for reproducible results without costly force measurements and enabling fine, smooth folds.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element is provided between the pressure device and the mechanical drive and/or in the mechanical drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3216594B1Apparatus for clamping, holding and guiding flat material and process for operating the apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 PESTER PAC AUTOMATION
  • EP3216594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3216594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3216594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (1) for clamping, holding and/or guiding planar material during three-dimensional forming, wherein a pressure device (2) and a base (3) are provided.