Adjustable Receiving Station for Packaging Rolls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machine receiving stations require manual intervention and are mechanically complex, fragile, and costly due to the need for frequent adjustments in accommodating rolls of varying dimensions, which can lead to damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A receiving and temporary accommodation station with a compartment that adjusts depth and width using a movable back wall and side walls, where each side wall is constituted by a containment element that can slide parallel to itself, allowing for adaptation to different roll formats without operator intervention, using a light alloy back wall with a shock-absorbing element and pulley system for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the back wall is constituted by a series of slats arranged next to each other and coupled to the same fulcrum to allow automatic width adjustment, then operator intervention is eliminated, but the constructive complexity increases, the weight increases degrading shock-absorbing characteristics, and the slats become fragile leading to frequent breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall is divided into multiple slats that can move independently relative to each other. Each slat is coupled to the same fulcrum, allowing them to pivot and adjust the width of the compartment automatically based on the size of the product being accommodated, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The back wall structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the slats can change their arrangement automatically. The fulcrum mechanism enables the slats to pivot and reconfigure themselves according to the product dimensions, providing automatic adaptation without manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If the back wall is constituted by a series of slats arranged next to each other and coupled to the same fulcrum to allow automatic width adjustment, then operator intervention is eliminated, but the weight increases degrading shock-absorbing characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall is divided into multiple slats that can move independently relative to each other. Each slat is coupled to the same fulcrum, allowing them to pivot and adjust the width of the compartment automatically based on the size of the product being accommodated, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The back wall structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the slats can change their arrangement automatically. The fulcrum mechanism enables the slats to pivot and reconfigure themselves according to the product dimensions, providing automatic adaptation without manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If the slats are used to constitute the back wall to allow automatic width adjustment, then operator intervention is eliminated, but the slats become very fragile leading to frequent breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall is divided into multiple slats that can move independently relative to each other. Each slat is coupled to the same fulcrum, allowing them to pivot and adjust the width of the compartment automatically based on the size of the product being accommodated, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The back wall structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the slats can change their arrangement automatically. The fulcrum mechanism enables the slats to pivot and reconfigure themselves according to the product dimensions, providing automatic adaptation without manual intervention.
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 solution ensures high mechanical simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness by allowing automatic adjustment to accommodate rolls of varying dimensions, reducing the risk of damage and operator intervention, while maintaining effective shock-absorbing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the back wall must be able to move in order to accompany and cushion the stopping stroke of the rolls, in order to prevent the impact with the wall from deteriorating them
Implementation Method 2
each one of said side walls is constituted by a useful portion of a containment element, said containment element being at least partially able to slide parallel to itself in order to vary the length of said useful portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A station (1) for receiving products and temporarily accommodating them, which comprises a compartment (2) that is delimited by two mutually opposite side walls (6) and by a back wall (7), which lies opposite an open side of the compartment (2) that constitutes an inlet (8) for products (3) to be received and accommodated temporarily. The back wall (7) is movable along a direction that is parallel to the side walls (6) in order to vary the depth of the compartment (2) and the side walls (6) are movable along a direction that is parallel to the back wall (7) in order to vary the width of the compartment (2). Each side wall (6) is constituted by a useful portion (11a) of a containment element (11) and the containment element (11) is at least partially able to slide parallel to itself in order to vary the length of the useful portion ( 11a).