Flattened Tubular Blank Opening Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices cause creasing, abrasions, and deformations when transforming flattened tubular blanks into tubular configurations due to relative velocity mismatches and mechanical stresses during the transfer process, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A device with hooking and folding mechanisms that synchronize the peripheral velocities of transfer and retaining suckers, and folding means that oscillate about a predetermined axis to prevent mechanical stresses, ensuring zero relative velocity and smooth transformation of blanks into tubular configurations without creasing or abrasions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the folding means oscillate in opposite direction to drum rotation to intercept the flap, then the folding operation can be performed, but relative velocity between folding means and flap surface causes dragging, creasing, and abrasions
Solution Approach 1:
The folding means are made oscillating about an axis parallel to the drum axis rather than rotating with the drum. This dynamic oscillating motion allows the folding operation to be performed while minimizing relative velocity between the folding means and the flap surface, thereby preventing dragging, creasing, and abrasions.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating axis parallel to the drum axis acts as an intermediary reference for the folding means motion. By positioning this axis downstream of the retaining means and using it as the rotation center, the system achieves proper folding geometry while eliminating harmful relative motion between the folding means and the flap external surface.
2Productivity
If the first means transfer the blank to the rotating drum at constant velocity, then productivity increases, but velocity mismatch between transfer suckers and retaining suckers causes impact and tangential stresses leading to creasing and abrasions
Solution Approach 1:
The first means are made oscillating with a period synchronized to the drum rotation. This dynamic oscillation allows the transfer operation to occur at optimal speed while ensuring that the suckers engage and disengage the flap at matching velocities, eliminating impact and tangential stresses that would cause creasing and abrasions.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating motion of the first means is periodic and synchronized with the drum rotation period. This periodic action ensures that the transfer of the blank from the first means to the retaining means occurs at the correct phase, maintaining velocity compatibility and preventing harmful impacts while sustaining high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the folding means rotate with the drum to maintain constant velocity, then transfer is smooth, but the folding operation cannot be performed as the relative velocity is zero
Solution Approach 1:
The folding means are designed to oscillate about a fixed axis rather than rotate with the drum. This dynamic oscillating motion provides the necessary relative velocity to perform the folding operation while the oscillation is synchronized with the drum rotation to ensure smooth transfer without harmful impacts.
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 ensures that tubular blanks are transformed into tubular configurations without creasing, abrasions, or deformations, maintaining the integrity of the blanks regardless of shape, thereby reducing waste and improving productivity.
Implementation Method 1
first hooking means (200) suitable for holding a first flap (1A) of the two external flaps (1A, 1B)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for opening out blanks supplied in a flattened tubular configuration comprises a store (100) for containing a stack (P) of flattened tubular blanks, a first hooking device (200) for hooking a first flap (1A) of two external flaps (1A, 1B) of a base blank of the stack, and a drum (300) set in constant rotation, peripherally exhibiting angularly-equidistanced work stations (20). Each work station has a retaining apparatus (22) for receiving, from the first hooking device (200), the first external flap (1A), so as to position a score line (2A), connecting the two external flaps (1A, 1B) along an axis C parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drum. A folding device (29) oscillates in a direction (R) which is opposite the rotation direction (F) of the drum, about the axis (C) so as to intercept the second external flap (1B).