Thermoforming Device with Adjustable Deep-Drawing Mold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoforming devices for cups have limited accessibility to the deep-drawing mold, making it difficult to integrate label feeding devices and resulting in low output due to sequential operation sequences.
Innovation Solution
The deep-drawing mold is designed with two adjustable part-elements that can be positioned out of alignment with the upper part, allowing for simultaneous label feeding and operation on both parts, along with a lifting spindle drive for precise height adjustment and rapid cooling of the second part-element for easy demolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the first part-element is fixed in congruence with the upper part, then the structural stability is improved, but the accessibility to the deep-drawing mold deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deep-drawing mold is divided into two separate part-elements: a first part-element that forms the circumferential wall and a second part-element that forms the bottom region. This segmentation allows the first part-element to remain fixed for structural stability while the second part-element can be adjusted for accessibility and labeling operations.
2Ease of operation
If labels are fed into the through-opening before molding, then the labeling function is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to sequential operation sequences
Solution Approach 1:
Labels are fed into the through-openings of the first part-element in advance, before the molding operation begins. This preliminary action allows the labeling to be prepared while the molding process is set up, enabling parallel operations and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous operation by allowing label feeding to occur while the molding process is being prepared or completed. The sequential dependency is eliminated through the adjustable part-element design, allowing both labeling and molding to occur in an overlapping manner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second part-element is height-adjustable, then the adaptability for different cup heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second part-element is designed to be height-adjustable relative to the first part-element, allowing dynamic adaptation to different cup heights. This adjustability is achieved through a lifting mechanism that can move the second part-element vertically, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed molds.
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
This configuration enhances accessibility, allows for efficient label feeding, and significantly increases the output by enabling simultaneous operations on both part-elements and rapid cup demolding, reducing cycle times.
Implementation Method 1
molding at least one cup into a heated sheet of film
Implementation Method 2
molding of the cup into the deep-drawing mold taking place by producing a positive pressure on the sheet of film in the direction of the deep-drawing mold
Implementation Method 3
rapid cooling of the second part-element for easy demolding
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermoforming device (10), in particular for cups (1) that can be filled with a foodstuff, having a mold (11) comprising an upper part (12) and a deep-drawing mold (13) arranged underneath the upper part (12) for molding at least one cup (1) in a heated sheet of film (2), wherein the deep-drawing mold (13) forms a side wall (4) and a bottom area (5) of the at least one cup (1).