Adaptive Strapping Control for Beverage Pack Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing strapped packs face challenges such as high energy consumption, costly materials, and instability due to inadequate pre-stress in strapping, which can lead to damaged containers and defective packs, especially with varying internal pressures in flexible beverage containers.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses a strapping device with detection means to apply a definable tensioning force based on article properties, allowing for optimized tensioning force adjustment and control, reducing the production of defective packs and energy costs by eliminating the need for shrinking tunnels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If strapping strips are used to combine containers into packs, then the need for shrinking film is eliminated, but stability problems arise due to unclear assignment of containers and inadequate pre-stress forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the assignment of containers to strapping strips before the strapping process. The control device determines which containers should be strapped by which strips in advance, and this assignment information is stored and used during strapping. This preliminary planning ensures that containers are properly positioned and stabilized without requiring excessive pre-stress forces or additional shrinking film.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high pre-stress forces are applied during strapping to ensure stability, then container movement is reduced, but containers can be easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pre-stress forces adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device regulates the magnitude of pre-stress forces applied during strapping based on the specific container properties and pack configuration. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to apply just enough force to ensure stability without exceeding the damage threshold of the containers, optimizing the balance between stability and container integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If parameters for strapping are set to specific values to ensure proper tensioning, then pack stability is improved, but defective packs are produced when internal pressure varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using detection means to measure the internal pressure of containers before strapping. The control device receives this pressure information and uses it to dynamically adjust the strapping parameters, including the assignment of containers to strips and the magnitude of pre-stress forces. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the strapping process is adapted to the actual container conditions, maintaining pack stability while minimizing defects caused by pressure variations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of strapping parameters by operator is used, then flexibility is maintained, but time-consuming sampling and re-adjustment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the control device to automatically determine optimal strapping parameters and adjust them without operator intervention. The system uses detection means to gather container information, processes this data to determine container assignment and pre-stress forces, and automatically regulates the strapping device parameters. This automation maintains the flexibility to adapt to different container conditions while eliminating the time-consuming manual sampling and re-adjustment process, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for the manufacturing of a pack including at least one article. The device includes a strapper for strapping a strip around the at least one article. The strapping is strapped around the outside of the article horizontally and/or vertically and/or cross-wise. A device generates a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A detector for the detection of properties of the article(s) is coupled and/or effectively connected to the device for generating a definable tensioning force of the strapping. A regulation and/or control method for a strapping device is also provided. Recorded properties of the articles to be wrapped and/or of the strapping material to be used are used as control values for the tensioning force and/or back tensioning force.