Adjustable Gripping Device for Delicate Cosmetic Boxes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machine technologies damage delicate ornamental patterns on cosmetic and perfumery boxes due to rubbing during gripping and transport, and lack adjustability to fit various box sizes, especially in vertical top-loading configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable holding units featuring soft-material coverings on prongs and an inclined pulley system that allows for precise gripping and transfer of boxes without rubbing, accommodating various box sizes and maintaining the integrity of ornamental patterns, while optimizing space usage in packaging machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If boxes are gripped and transferred using rigid housing elements with no clearance, then positioning precision of the box is improved, but the box walls are subjected to rubbing that damages delicate ornamental patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The housing elements are provided with soft material coverings (e.g., rubber, silicone, or foam) on the surfaces that contact the box walls. This local application of soft material maintains the rigid structure's positioning precision while the soft covering prevents rubbing damage to delicate ornamental patterns on the box surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A soft material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the rigid housing elements and the box walls. This intermediary layer absorbs the mechanical stress and prevents direct contact between hard surfaces, thereby eliminating rubbing damage while maintaining the gripping and positioning function.
2Device complexity
If the device is designed with fixed housing dimensions, then the structure is simpler and more robust, but it cannot accommodate various box sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The housing elements are made adjustable in position and configuration, allowing the internal dimensions of the gripping and transfer device to be modified. This enables the same device to accommodate various box sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be reconfigured rather than replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal housing elements that can be repositioned or reconfigured to handle multiple box sizes. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to serve various packaging needs, reducing the number of different device versions required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the box is held in vertical orientation with article introduction side upward, then stability of the box during handling is improved, but the space above and below the box is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the horizontal dimension more effectively by positioning housing elements and support structures around the box's equator rather than only above and below. This dimensional shift allows the box to be held stably in vertical orientation while minimizing wasted vertical space in the packaging machine.
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 device effectively protects delicate box patterns and adjusts to fit different sizes, ensuring secure handling and reduced machine downtime, with precise operation and minimal risk of jamming, making it suitable for high-level cosmetics and perfumery packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of pulleys (22, not shown) operated by motor means
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device includes a plurality of holding units (10), each of which has a leading prong (11) and a rear prong (12) for holding a box (2) in vertical orientation. The holding units (10) are arranged spaced out on a operating group (20), operated to move intermittently, and have elastic closing means (16), which keep the holding unit (10) closed and allow to move the rear prong (12) away from the leading prong (11), by first and second opening means (26, 36), respectively for introducing a box (2) into the holding unit (10), in an inlet station (SI), and for removing the box in a discharge station (SS), situated downstream. This avoids rubbing between the prongs and the box (2) walls that could damage the precious ornamental patterns applied to the latter.