Tag Folding Device for Non-Coplanar Cigarette Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying tax stamps to packages of smoking articles face challenges in limited space, especially with bevel edges or rounded corners, leading to instability and increased risk of errors due to the need for smaller stamps or marginal placement, which complicates stable and precise application while maintaining high productivity.
Innovation Solution
A folding method and device that uses a closed-loop path with movable units and cam profiles to fold a cantilevered flap of a tag against a non-coplanar surface of a package, ensuring precise and stable application of the tag across different orientations and shapes of packages, including those with bevel edges or rounded corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tag is applied to two outer surfaces of the package that are not coplanar and adjacent to one another, then the tag can be applied to multiple surfaces, but the application becomes unstable and prone to errors due to limited space and complex geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is divided into multiple portions: a first portion applied to a first surface and a second portion (flap) to be folded and applied to a second surface. This segmentation allows the tag to adapt to multiple non-coplanar surfaces while maintaining stable application through sequential gluing operations on each surface portion
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion of the tag is glued to the first surface of the package before the folding operation. This preliminary action establishes a stable base and positions the flap correctly for subsequent folding and gluing to the second surface, ensuring reliable application even on complex geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stamp size is reduced or placed marginally to accommodate bevel edges or rounded corners, then the tag can fit on complex geometries, but the application precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The folding device includes movable components that can adjust their position and orientation dynamically. The folding member can move along a closed-loop path and rotate to accommodate different package orientations and geometries, maintaining precise tag positioning regardless of whether the package has bevel edges, rounded corners, or complex shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The folding device is designed to handle multiple package types and geometries universally. The closed-loop path and movable folding member can adapt to various package configurations, allowing the same device to apply tags precisely to packages with different shapes without requiring size reduction or marginal placement
3Manufacturing precision
If a closed-loop path with movable units and cam profiles is used to fold the flap, then the tag application becomes precise and stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding device merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The closed-loop path combines conveying and positioning functions, while the cam profiles integrate timing and motion control. The folding member simultaneously performs folding, positioning, and gluing operations, reducing the need for separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop path enables continuous operation where packages are constantly conveyed, positioned, and processed. The folding member operates continuously along the loop, maintaining constant contact with the package and flap throughout the cycle. This continuous action eliminates idle time and ensures consistent precision without requiring complex intermittent mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
Folding method and device, in which a package (3) of smoking articles comprises a first wall (3a) on which a portion (2a) of a tag (2) is glued that further comprises a flap (2b) to be folded that protrudes out of the first wall; the package and a moving unit (5) are fed parallel beside one another along a straight feed section at the same feed speed; during feeding beside the moving unit and package, a contact surface (13) of the moving unit is maintained in contact against the tag portion applied to the first wall and simultaneously a folding end (17) of the moving unit is moved to fold the flap against a second wall (3b) of the package adjacent to the first wall. [Fig. 3]