Adjustable Container Closer for Packaging Line Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated and semi-automated packaging systems face inefficiencies in closing containers of varying sizes and managing dunnage dispensing speeds, leading to slower packing processes and potential damage during shipping.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system that includes a sensor to identify container dimensions, a dunnage dispenser to adjust dispensing speed based on void volume, and a container closer with an adjustable member to accommodate different container sizes, allowing for pre-adjustment and bypassing of non-conforming containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the container closer is adjusted for each container size, then the closure accuracy is improved, but the adjustment time increases packing process time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects container dimensions upstream before the container reaches the container closer, allowing the container closer to pre-adjust to the correct position before the container arrives, eliminating adjustment time during the packing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated sensor-based detection and communication system that identifies container dimensions and automatically signals the container closer to adjust, reducing manual intervention and adjustment time
2Productivity
If the dunnage dispensing speed is increased for larger void volumes, then the packing speed is improved, but the dunnage dispensing system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dunnage dispensing system dynamically adjusts its dispensing speed based on the detected void volume of the container, allowing faster dispensing for larger voids while maintaining control through automated feedback from the sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects container dimensions and communicates this information to the dunnage dispensing system, which automatically adjusts dispensing parameters based on the detected void volume, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation despite increased capability
3Reliability
If all containers are processed by the container closer, then closure reliability is improved, but the processing time for non-conforming containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system identifies non-conforming containers that do not require closure, allowing these containers to be extracted from the standard closing process and bypass the container closer entirely, saving time while maintaining reliability for containers that actually need closing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved packaging system (10) includes a packaging line that guides containers in a downstream direction, a sensor (12) that can identify a dimension of a container on the packaging line, a dunnage dispenser (14) on the packaging line downstream of the sensor to dispense dunnage to a void volume in a container, and a container closer (16) downstream of the dunnage dispenser (14) to close containers on the packaging line downstream of the dunnage dispenser. The container closer (16) includes an adjustable member (20), and is in communication with the sensor to (12) adjust the adjustable member (20) based on the identified dimension of the container. The system thus includes a way to identify the size of the container before the container reaches the container closer. The container closer can adjust for the container's size before the container arrives, speeding up the container closing operation.