Support Element Stabilizes Printed Product During Gripper Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for inserting flat articles into folded printed products face issues such as product slippage, limited adaptability to different formats, and space constraints, making it difficult to use conventional gripper conveyors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a supporting element that moves between the product parts to stabilize them during the brief opening of the grippers, allowing for secure insertion of flat articles without the need for extensive design adaptations, and the use of a circulatory supporting-element conveyor synchronized with the gripper movement to support the product over its surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grippers are used to retain folded printed products, then the products can be conveyed efficiently, but the grippers cannot be opened without causing the products to slide deeper into the gripper mouth and shift transversely
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting element is introduced as an intermediary between the gripper and the printed product. This supporting element has a supporting surface that contacts the product and prevents it from sliding into the gripper mouth or shifting transversely when the gripper opens. The supporting element is moved into position before gripper opening and removed after article insertion, thereby enabling gripper operation without product displacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pockets with angled apart walls are used to support products during gripper opening, then products can be held open, but the grippers must have minimum spacing which prevents close-packed formation
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting function is segmented from the gripper structure itself and assigned to a separate supporting element. This supporting element can be independently positioned and removed, allowing the grippers to be spaced closely for high-density conveying while still providing product support during the brief opening period for article insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If clamping elements are located at the outer ends of pocket walls to hold products open, then products can be retained, but only products with a certain length adapted to the pocket size can be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element provides localized support at the critical area where the product contacts the gripper mouth, rather than requiring clamping elements at the outer ends of the entire pocket. This localized approach allows the same supporting element to work with products of various lengths and formats, enhancing adaptability while maintaining retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product, wherein the products are held by grippers of a gripper conveyor which opens only briefly for inserting the flat object. In order to also stabilize the product in the open state of the gripper, a support element is provided, which moves between the two product parts before the gripper opens and rests on one of the product parts. If the orientations of the support elements and the grippers are selected in a suitable fashion, this will suffice in order to position the product and keep it open such that the flat object can be inserted and the gripper can then be closed again, while clamping the product with the flat object into position. Optionally, further support elements are present, which additionally support the product from the outside, such as the folded edge.