Adjustable Mould Covering Machine for Small Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering machines are not suitable for boxes with small transversal dimensions due to the dimensions of the mould movement and supporting elements, which restrict the minimum size of boxes that can be covered.

Innovation Solution

A covering machine with a modular mould system and adjustable vertical and horizontal movement elements, allowing for a forming cavity that can accommodate boxes with extremely limited transversal dimensions, and secondary actuators to facilitate the movement of rollers or brushes for effective sheet adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mould and movement elements are made with fixed dimensions to ensure complete coverage, then boxes with larger transversal dimensions can be covered, but boxes with small transversal dimensions cannot be covered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to cover boxes with various transversal dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of mould and movement elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mould and movement elements are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing their dimensions to be dynamically changed according to the box size. The mould can be adjusted in width and depth, and the movement elements can be positioned at different locations, enabling the same machine to accommodate boxes with various transversal dimensions without requiring multiple fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mould is divided into separate adjustable components including a mould body, a mould head, and independent movement elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to match the specific dimensions of the box being covered, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the brushes or rollers are spaced at minimum distance to allow movement elements to pass, then larger boxes can be processed, but boxes with dimensions smaller than the minimum distance between brushes cannot be covered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process boxes with various sizesVSAvoidease of adjusting brush or roller spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing between brushes or rollers is made adjustable rather than fixed at a minimum distance. The movement elements can be positioned at variable distances from each other, allowing the system to accommodate boxes with small transversal dimensions by reducing the spacing between brushes/rollers, while still maintaining enough space for the movement elements to pass through

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameter of spacing between brushes or rollers is made variable. The system can change this parameter to match the dimensions of different boxes, allowing flexible processing of boxes with various sizes including those with very small transversal dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7805911B2Covering machine for packing boxes

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 EMMECI SPA

AI summary

A covering machine for applying a covering sheet on packing boxes, includes a covering cavity for receiving a box joined to a respective covering sheet, and presser elements which can be associated with the box and are able to move between a first, active position in which they apply the respective sheet to the box and a second, extracted position away from the box.