Transverse Closing Tools for Plaited Section Clip Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing clips around plaited sections of casings without filling material are inefficient and require complex movement control, making them time-consuming and prone to material tolerance issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with two closing tools that are guided transversely past the plaited section, then aligned for a rotary movement to facilitate the clip closure, allowing for a simple and efficient closing process, with the option to move one tool while the other is stationary, and using a guide device that can be designed as a rod-shaped clip tool for easy handling and adaptation to different clip sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex movement control is used to close clips around plaited sections, then the closing operation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closing tool is divided into two independent closing tools (first closing tool and second closing tool) that can move independently. Each tool is responsible for one side of the clip closing operation, allowing parallel execution of closing actions on both sides of the plaited section, thereby increasing productivity without requiring complex coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The two closing tools are positioned in advance on opposite sides of the plaited section before the closing operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the tools to immediately engage with the clip legs and perform closing actions simultaneously without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual closing process
2Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of closing tools is required for proper clip closure, then closing accuracy is achieved, but the process becomes slower and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closing operation is segmented into two independent actions performed by separate closing tools on opposite sides of the plaited section. Each tool independently positions and closes one side of the clip, eliminating the need for complex coordinated positioning while achieving precise closure on both sides simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The closing tools move in a coordinated periodic manner where one tool moves while the other remains stationary, then they alternate. This periodic motion pattern simplifies the control requirements compared to continuous coordinated movement, reducing closing time while maintaining precision through the alternating action sequence
3Ease of operation
If the closing tool moves past the plaited section to position itself, then proper alignment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is designed with a universal rod-shaped structure that serves multiple functions: guiding both closing tools, providing rotational movement capability, and accommodating different clip sizes. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for tool alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device incorporates rotational movement capability that allows the closing tool to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism simplifies alignment operations compared to fixed positioning systems, as the tool can rotate into the correct position rather than requiring precise pre-positioning
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves locking a clip (6) around a fill-free top section (1) of a casing, which comprises two controllably moving closing tools a(4, 5) round the top section. One of the closing tools is guided from a side of the top section transverse to a longitudinal extension of the top section to another side of the top section. The two closing tools are brought into each other in an aligned position for locking of the clip around the top section. An independent claim is also included for a device for controlling locking of a clip around a filling free top section.