Synchronized Hold-Down Cutting for Precise Packaging Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hold-down devices for forming devices require separate process steps for holding and cutting packaging material, leading to inefficiencies and potential displacement of the blank during the forming process.

Innovation Solution

A hold-down device with a cutting device that moves synchronously with the hold-down elements, allowing for simultaneous cutting and holding of the packaging material, ensuring precise positioning and continuous material flow during the forming process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate process steps are used for holding and cutting packaging material, then the cutting device can be simplified in structure, but the production time increases and the blank may be displaced during forming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutting device with the hold-down elements, integrating two previously separate functions (cutting and holding) into a single synchronized system. The cutting device is arranged on the hold-down element and moves synchronously with it, allowing both cutting and holding to occur simultaneously in one process step, thereby reducing production time while maintaining structural organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hold-down element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides holding force to secure the packaging material during forming, and simultaneously supports the cutting device to perform cutting operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cutting and holding mechanisms, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the cutting device is arranged on the hold-down element and moves synchronously, then cutting and holding can occur in a single step, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device is integrated with the hold-down element structure, combining two operational functions into one physical assembly. This merging allows simultaneous cutting and holding in a single process step, improving productivity while the integrated design keeps the structural complexity manageable by sharing common components and movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the packaging material is cut before forming, then the blank can be precisely positioned, but the material may be displaced during the forming process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting operation is performed as a preliminary action before the forming process, creating precise positioning features in the packaging material. The hold-down elements are simultaneously applied to secure the material in its cut position, preventing subsequent displacement during forming. This sequence of preliminary cutting followed by immediate holding ensures both precision and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting and holding operations are merged into a single synchronized process step, where the cutting device and hold-down elements move together. This ensures that once the material is cut, it is immediately secured in the correct position, preventing displacement during forming while maintaining precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4234189B1Holding-down device for a forming device, method for forming packaging material by means of the forming device, and production machine comprising such a forming device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SYNTEGON TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP4234189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4234189B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4234189B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5d

AI summary

The invention relates to a hold-down device for a forming device (12), which is intended for the production of three-dimensional shaped bodies from packaging material (14), comprising at least one hold-down element (16) and at least one further hold-down element (18), which are movably mounted relative to each other and are intended to hold the packaging material (14) during a forming process, and comprising at least one cutting device (20), which, in particular before forming the packaging material (14), is intended to cut through the packaging material (14) at least partially and/or to cut into it at least partially.It is proposed that the cutting device (20) be arranged on the hold-down element (16) and/or on the further hold-down element (18) in such a way that the cutting device (20) is movable, and in particular is moved, at least substantially synchronously with a relative movement of the hold-down element (16) and the further hold-down element (18).