Trimmer Quick Adjustment for Can Diameter Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can trimming machinery requires significant downtime and mechanical adjustments when switching between different can diameters due to the need for adjustments in knife position and speed, which complicates the process of changing over from one diameter to another.
Innovation Solution
A trimmer arrangement with a rotatable base and adjustable supports, spacers, and a drive train that allows for quick repositioning of trimming cartridges and variable speed control, enabling seamless transitions between different can diameters without modifying the gear train or replacing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustment and/or replacement of parts is performed to reposition the trim cartridge/knife diameter relative to the fixed can centerline, then the trimming arrangement can accommodate different can diameters, but the changeover time and downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are made movable relative to the base member, allowing dynamic repositioning of the trim cartridges. The supports can be quickly adjusted to different radial positions along the guide surfaces and locked in place, enabling rapid adaptation to different can diameters without lengthy mechanical adjustments or part replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The trimming system is divided into modular components - multiple independent support members, each carrying a trim cartridge, that can be individually adjusted along guide surfaces. This segmentation allows each support to be independently repositioned for different can sizes, facilitating quick changeovers
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radial distance between the can centerline and the knife diameter is increased for larger cans, then larger diameter cans can be trimmed, but the mechanical adjustment complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
Guide surfaces act as intermediaries between the fixed base member and the movable support members. These guide surfaces provide a standardized interface that simplifies the adjustment process - supports simply slide along the guides to the required position and are locked, eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows easy change of the radial position parameter of the trim cartridges by moving the supports along the guide surfaces. This parameter adjustment is made simple through the guide surface mechanism, allowing rapid adaptation to different can diameter requirements without increasing mechanical complexity
3Speed
If the speed of the circular knives is adjusted with the change in can diameter, then proper cutting speed can be maintained, but the gear train requires modification or part replacement
Solution Approach 1:
A single gear train configuration serves multiple functions by accommodating different can diameters and corresponding knife speeds through the movable support mechanism. The gear train remains fixed while the supports carrying the trim cartridges are repositioned, allowing one gear train to handle multiple operating conditions without modification or part replacement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a rotatable base having a plurality of guide features with opposed sides and supports. Each of the supports are slidably disposed in one of the plurality of guide features. The supports and the base member have spacer engagement surfaces which are configured to face one another in pairs and to have spacers clamped between each of the pairs. The spacers are so dimensioned as to locate each of the supports in a predetermined position with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotatable base member. A gear train on cut drive side is driven by a variable speed motor. Motor speed can be set for a given can diameter.