Adjustable Limb Tool Head for Compact Carton Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies face challenges in efficiently erecting different configurations of flat collapsible cartons into tubular structures within a compact packaging machine, requiring a device that can adapt to various carton designs and constructions while ensuring secure containment and minimal material usage.
Innovation Solution
A carton erection device featuring a shaft with a hub and pivot-mounted limbs, driven by a motor and adjustable drive mechanisms, including sprockets and belts, allows for the rotation and alignment of tool heads to erect cartons from flat collapsed states into tubular structures, accommodating different carton configurations and maintaining constant orientation during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is used to erect different configurations of carton, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable tool heads that can be repositioned along the limbs to accommodate different carton configurations. The tool heads can be adjusted in position and orientation dynamically, allowing a single device to handle multiple carton types without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The hub and limb structure with adjustable tool heads creates a universal erection mechanism that can handle various carton designs, panel arrangements, and configurations through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each carton type.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact, then the packaging machine size is reduced, but the range of carton configurations that can be erected is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where tool heads can be repositioned along the limbs, and components are arranged in a compact hierarchical fashion. The adjustable tool heads can be positioned at different locations along the limbs, allowing the mechanism to maintain a compact footprint while achieving the necessary reach and flexibility for various carton configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities, allowing tool heads to be repositioned along the length of limbs and adjusted in orientation. This dimensional flexibility enables the compact device to achieve the functional range of larger devices by utilizing spatial reconfiguration rather than simply increasing physical size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable drive mechanisms are added to accommodate different cartons, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the spacing and positioning of tool heads to be modified dynamically. This enables the same drive system to accommodate different carton designs and configurations without requiring multiple dedicated drive mechanisms, balancing adaptability with controlled complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for erecting a flat collapsed carrier, the device comprising a shaft (46) having a longitudinal axis (a). A hub (27) is mounted to the shaft. At least one limb (16a-c) is rotationally mounted to the hub by a pivot coupling. A tool head (14a-c) is mounted to the limb. A drive motor is coupled to the shaft for rotating the hub about the longitudinal axis. The device comprises a first drive mechanism for rotating the at least one limb with respect to the hub such that the distance between the tool head and longitudinal axis can be adjusted.