Vertical Film Storage for Compact Thermoforming Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoforming packaging machines require significant space due to the arrangement of film storage devices between the film holder and forming station, which increases the machine's length or width, and existing designs from other packaging machines are not directly applicable.
Innovation Solution
A compact design where the film holder and film storage device are arranged vertically one above the other, utilizing a holding mandrel and a film storage device with a dancer to regulate film tension, allowing for efficient use of space and precise unwinding of the film web, and incorporating a gluing table for seamless film roll exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the film storage device is arranged between the film holder and the forming station, then the film tension can be regulated, but the machine length or width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The film storage device is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement between the film holder and forming station to a vertical arrangement above the film holder. This dimensional change allows the film storage device to be located in previously underutilized vertical space, regulating film tension without increasing the machine's horizontal footprint or length.
2Reliability
If the film storage device is arranged between the film holder and the forming station, then the film tension can be regulated, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The film storage device is relocated from the horizontal plane between the film holder and forming station to the vertical plane above the film holder. This spatial reconfiguration utilizes vertical clearance that would otherwise be unused, maintaining film tension regulation capability while reducing the machine's horizontal installation footprint.
3Length of stationary object
If the film holder is offset by 90° with respect to the production direction, then the machine length is reduced, but the film storage device requires additional lateral space
Solution Approach 1:
The film storage device is positioned vertically above the film holder rather than laterally adjacent to it. This vertical placement allows the film storage device to be integrated within the vertical profile of the film holder assembly, eliminating the need for additional lateral space while maintaining the 90° offset configuration that reduces machine length.
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
This configuration reduces the distance between the film holder and forming station, enabling a more compact machine design while maintaining consistent film tension and facilitating easy operation and maintenance, resulting in a more space-efficient and streamlined packaging machine.
Implementation Method 1
a film storage device (29) configured to accommodate a variable length of the lower film web (5) and to regulate a film tension of the lower film web (5)
Implementation Method 2
the forming station (7) configured to form packaging troughs in the lower film web (5) by means of thermoforming
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoforming packaging machine comprises a film source, a forming station, a sealing station and a conveying device. The film source is configured to receive a lower film supply roll and provide a lower film web unwound from the lower film supply roll. The conveying device is configured to convey the lower film web from the film source to the forming station and further to the sealing station. The film source comprises a holding mandrel for receiving thereon the lower film supply roll and a film storage device configured for accommodating a variable length of the lower film web and regulating a film tension of the lower film web. The holding mandrel and the film storage device are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction.