Tray Forming Apparatus with Single Reciprocating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for forming edged trays from blank sheets have excessive plan overall dimensions and require multiple moving members, leading to complexity, increased maintenance needs, and a higher probability of malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus with a single moving member that performs both sheet transportation and forming, using a rectilinear reciprocating motion to insert the sheet into forming walls and then transport the formed tray to a storage station, reducing the number of actuators and overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple moving members are used for sheet transportation and forming, then the forming operation can be performed effectively, but the apparatus complexity and number of actuators increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of sheet transportation and tray forming into a single moving member. This moving member both transports blank sheets from the store to the forming area and performs the forming operation by pushing the sheet against the forming walls, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single moving member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a transportation mechanism for blank sheets, a positioning device for centering the sheet, and a forming pusher that forces the sheet into the forming walls. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components required in the apparatus.
2Area of stationary object
If the store is arranged vertically with forming walls immediately downstream, then the plan overall dimensions are reduced, but the forming walls require complex movement to allow sheet entry and forming
Solution Approach 1:
The forming walls are designed to be movable rather than fixed. They can move apart to allow the single moving member to insert the blank sheet into the forming area, and then move together to define the forming space during the forming operation. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the overall apparatus layout while maintaining compact plan dimensions.
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
The solution results in a more reliable, easier-to-use, and cost-effective apparatus that can efficiently and rapidly produce edged trays with reduced structural complexity and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
by being translatable along two perpendicular axes, has the function of taking up, by means of suction grippers or a suction system, a sheet from the stack being the store
Implementation Method 2
the blank sheet, which is initially rested on the walls constituting the forming frame, is forcedly pushed into the latter by a suitable punch, such as to provide on the blank sheet, by plastic (i.e. permanent) deformation, the folds required for obtaining the tray
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An apparatus for making edged trays (9'') from blank sheets (9,9') , of the type comprising a stationary store (2) for a plurality of these stacked blank sheets (4), a first moving member (6) for at least one (9) of these sheets, one or more tray-forming walls (5a,5b,5c) being arranged substantially at the store outlet section, and being movable between an at least partially closed position and an opened position of said store outlet section, as well as at least one storage station (12) for the tray. Said first moving member is movable according to a rectilinear reciprocating motion between a take-up position of at least one blank sheet, within the store, and a position of releasing the tray at the storage station, and further this first moving member, in the rectilinear reciprocating motion thereof, also acts as a pusher for forcedly inserting the sheet into the forming walls.