Suction Plate Extracting Polygonal Boxes from Retractible Mandrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting boxes or parts of boxes with a polygonal section from a mandrel often result in poor positioning and require subsequent recovery, breaking the processing cycle and limiting production rates.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring a plate with gripping means that moves between deployed and folded positions, combined with a movable mandrel, allowing for continuous and precise extraction of the box or box part by applying pressure and suction, enabling efficient transfer to a conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transverse plate is used to eject the box from the mandrel, then the box can be extracted from the mandrel, but the positioning precision is poor and subsequent recovery operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ejection system (transverse plate) with a pneumatic suction system. The plate equipped with suction cups creates a vacuum field that grasps the box bottom, enabling precise and gentle extraction without the positioning errors inherent in mechanical pushing/ejection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a suction plate with vacuum cups to create negative pressure for grasping and holding the box. This pneumatic system provides continuous contact and control during extraction, ensuring precise positioning throughout the process from mandrel removal to conveyor placement.
2Device complexity
If the box is simply dropped after extraction, then the extraction process is simple, but the positioning is incorrect and recovery operations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction plate maintains continuous contact with the box bottom throughout the entire extraction and transfer process. From grasping on the mandrel to moving and placing on the conveyor, the suction connection never breaks, ensuring continuous positioning control and eliminating the need for recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction plate acts as an intermediary between the extraction system and the box. Instead of direct mechanical contact that causes positioning errors, the pneumatic suction field serves as a mediating force that gently holds and transports the box with precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the mandrel remains stationary during extraction, then the forming process is simple, but the extraction precision and continuity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamic one, capable of moving horizontally along the conveyor direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the mandrel to synchronize with the suction plate movement, enabling precise extraction positioning and continuous operation without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Ensures continuous and precise extraction of boxes or box parts with improved positioning, maintaining contact until placement on a conveyor, thereby increasing production rates and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method featuring a plate with gripping means that moves between deployed and folded positions, combined with a movable mandrel, allowing for continuous and precise extraction of the box or box part by applying pressure and suction
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for removing a box or box part with a polygonal section from a chuck (51) comprising an upper face (511) and an application face (510) interconnected by lateral faces and an end face (514), on which chuck the box has been previously formed from a blank (1). It comprises a plate (64) comprising first gripping means and translatably movable between a deployed position in which the plate is near the end face (514) of the chuck on which the lateral flaps (16a to 16d) are intended to be folded and a folded position in which the plate (64) is away from the chuck (51). The chuck (51) itself is movable between a first forming position, in which the outer cross-section thereof corresponds to the inner cross-section of the box or box part, and a second retracted position, in which the outer cross-section thereof is smaller than the inner cross-section of the box or box part.