Thermoforming Tool Carrier Lateral Exchange Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoform packaging machines face challenges in efficiently exchanging tool inserts, particularly at forming and sealing stations, due to interference with chain guides, which complicates the process and requires significant space and manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A tool changing device that allows the tool carrier and insert to be moved laterally relative to the chain guide using a pivoting or lifting mechanism, enabling easy removal and exchange without disrupting the production process, and incorporating a cooling system for continuous operation and automatic power connection/disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tool insert is removed laterally from the thermoform packaging machine while the machine is in operation, then the tool exchange process is simplified and chain guide interference is avoided, but the tool insert must be moved vertically above the chain guide first

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool insert exchange processVSAvoidmovement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool insert removal path is changed from purely lateral to a two-dimensional path combining vertical and lateral movements. The tool insert is first moved vertically above the chain guide, then laterally removed, avoiding interference with the chain guide while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the tool insert position based on operational state. During operation, the tool insert can be quickly moved to a standby position vertically; during exchange, it is moved laterally. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the tool insert is raised vertically above the chain guide for lateral removal, then interference with chain guide contours is avoided, but additional vertical movement space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool insert removalVSAvoidvertical movement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool insert is designed to nest within or closely fit the tool carrier, minimizing the vertical space required for movement. This nested configuration allows the tool insert to be raised above the chain guide without requiring excessive vertical clearance, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the tool insert is exchanged manually with disconnection of power lines, then the exchange process is simple, but downtime is significant and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool insert exchangeVSAvoidmachine downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is designed to automatically disconnect and reconnect power lines during tool insert exchange. The electrical connection element on the tool carrier automatically disconnects when the tool insert is removed and automatically reconnects when a new tool insert is installed, eliminating manual intervention and reducing downtime, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the cooling circuit is integrated into the tool carrier and cooling plate, then continuous cooling operation is maintained during tool exchange, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool exchange speedVSAvoidcooling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuits of the tool carrier and cooling plate are merged into a unified system. This integration ensures continuous cooling operation during tool insert exchange without requiring separate cooling systems or manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between exchange speed and system complexity by combining the cooling functions into a coordinated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates rapid and efficient tool exchange, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual disconnection of power lines, while maintaining continuous operation and ensuring precise positioning through automated control.

Implementation Method 1

the tool insert, configured e.g., as a heating plate in a forming station, is in large-area contact with a cooling plate of the forming station when the thermoform packaging machine is in operation, so that a tool insert configured as a heating plate will be cooled permanently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9567124B2Tool changing device for a work station of a thermoforming packaging machine

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine allows a tool insert to be removed from the work station laterally relative to a working direction of material conveyed through the work station. A position of the tool insert is moveable to a position above a chain guide on at least one side to allow the tool insert to be removed from the work station above the chain guide.