Adjustable Packing Unit for Rapid Blank Format Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing machines lack flexibility, requiring significant time and skilled labor to change blank formats, as the conveying and packing units are not adaptable to different sizes without replacing multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A packing unit with adjustable pockets on the conveyor belts and flexible suction pickup heads that can change the length and orientation of blanks without altering component parts, allowing for easy adaptation to various blank sizes and formats through software adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blank format is changed by replacing component parts on the packing unit, then the packing unit can adapt to different sizes, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the dynamics principle by making the conveying belts and pockets adjustable rather than fixed. The pockets can be repositioned along the conveying belts to accommodate different blank lengths, and the conveying belts themselves can be adjusted in position. This dynamic adjustability allows rapid format changes without replacing components, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and changeover time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the pocket positions and conveying belt positions through adjustment mechanisms. Instead of changing physical components, the system changes the positional parameters of existing components to adapt to different blank formats. This enables quick reconfiguration without skilled labor or component replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple component parts are replaced to adapt to different blank sizes, then the packing unit can handle various formats, but the complexity of the changeover process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies universality by designing the conveying belts and pockets as multi-functional components that can serve multiple blank formats. The pockets can be positioned at different locations along the belts to handle various blank lengths, and the same conveying belt structure accommodates different packing configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing changeover complexity while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of pocket positions and conveying belt positions transforms fixed, specialized components into versatile, adaptive components. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple component sets, as a single adjustable system replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed components for different formats
3Reliability
If the packing unit is set up to ensure new parts interact properly with the rest of the unit, then proper functionality is achieved, but the setup process becomes painstaking and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies self-service through standardized mounting interfaces and alignment features that enable the pockets and conveying belts to automatically position themselves correctly when adjusted. The adjustment mechanisms are designed so that proper interaction is achieved through the adjustment process itself, without requiring painstaking manual setup or skilled labor to ensure proper component interaction
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 rapid and cost-effective format changes with minimal manual labor, increasing flexibility and output rates by allowing blanks of different sizes to be processed without changing any physical components, reducing mechanical stress on the blanks.
Implementation Method 1
a feed device which withdraws the first blank in the stack by suction and inserts it into a pocket on the packing conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A packing unit and method for folding a blank on a packing machine; the packing unit having: a packing conveyor having at least one pocket for receiving the blank; and a feed device for inserting the blank into the pocket on the packing conveyor; the packing conveyor has at least a first conveyor belt defining a bottom wall, of the pocket; at least a second conveyor belt separate from, parallel to, and alongside the first conveyor belt, and defining the bottom wall of the pocket together with the first conveyor belt; a first retaining member, which projects perpendicularly from the first conveyor belt and defines a front wall of the pocket; and a second retaining member, which projects perpendicularly from the second conveyor belt and defines a rear wall of the pocket.