Adjustable Gluing and Folding Stations for Carton End Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines lack flexibility to adapt to various carton sizes and folding procedures, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the inability to complete carton construction during conveyor stoppages, where applied glue can cure before folding can occur.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine apparatus with adjustable gluing and folding stations, including a carton conveyor, major and minor end flap retaining guide assemblies, and a controller to manage the application and folding of adhesive on carton flaps, allowing for different folding sequences and accommodating various carton configurations, even during conveyor stoppages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging machine uses fixed gluing and folding stations, then the machine structure is simple, but the machine cannot adapt to various carton sizes and folding procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable gluing and folding stations that can be repositioned along the carton conveyor path. The gluing station includes an adjustable glue gun position, and the folding station includes adjustable folding blades, allowing the machine to adapt to different carton sizes and folding procedures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging machine is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The adjustable gluing and folding stations can handle various carton configurations, making a single machine capable of packaging different product types without requiring complete reconfiguration or additional specialized equipment
2Productivity
If the conveyor operates continuously, then productivity is high, but glue may cure before folding if stoppage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies glue to the carton end flaps before the folding operation, ensuring that the adhesive is already in place and will not cure completely before folding occurs. This preliminary gluing action, combined with the ability to complete folding during brief stoppages, maintains both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to minimize idle time between gluing and folding operations. The adjustable stations allow for optimized spacing and timing, ensuring that the useful action of carton construction continues smoothly even when brief stoppages occur, preventing glue cure issues
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is designed for high versatility, then it can accommodate various carton configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a loading mechanism, an adjustable gluing station with glue gun, and an adjustable folding station with folding blades. Each module can be independently adjusted and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while preserving versatility
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
Enables the formation of end closure structures for diverse carton sizes and folding procedures, ensuring successful carton construction during both steady-state and stoppage conditions, enhancing the machine's versatility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive such as hot glue can be applied to end flaps of each carton
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming an end closure structure of a carton. The end closure structure is formed from minor end flaps and major end flaps. The apparatus includes a carton conveyor for transferring the carton in a flow direction along a carton conveyor path, a major end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the major end flaps in an outwardly upright position, a minor end flap retaining guide assembly for retaining the minor end flaps in an inwardly folded position, and a gluing station for applying adhesive to the major and minor end flaps.