Applicating Drum and Push Down Wheel for Rigid Carrier Multipacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technology for applying rigid container carriers to form beverage multipacks is inefficient and cannot handle high volumes at high speeds, and existing systems often require manual application or slow processes, while also lacking the ability to use 100% curbside recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
A system and apparatus that utilizes a robotic applicator with an applicating drum and push down wheel to efficiently apply 100% curbside recyclable rigid PET and HDPE container carriers to containers, forming multipacks at high speeds, using a feed mechanism with a magazine and nip rollers to ensure continuous supply and a cutoff system to finalize the packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual application or slow systems are used for rigid container carriers, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is insufficient to handle high volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application with an automated robotic system featuring a programmable controller that coordinates a robotic arm, applicating drum, and push down wheel. This automation achieves high-speed application of rigid container carriers while eliminating the need for manual operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-positioning mechanisms where the applicating drum and push down wheel automatically align with the container carrier and containers through mechanical guides and sensors. The robotic arm autonomously retrieves carriers from the magazine and positions them for application, enabling the system to operate at high speeds without complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If traditional application systems are used, then device complexity is low, but they cannot accommodate high volume production requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The application system is divided into distinct functional modules: a magazine for carrier storage, a robotic arm for carrier retrieval, an applicating drum for carrier application, and a push down wheel for final positioning. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high productivity through coordinated automation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions by sequentially performing carrier retrieval from the magazine, positioning the carrier on the applicating drum, and facilitating the application process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If rigid container carriers are used, then recyclability is improved (100% curbside recyclable), but application difficulty increases compared to flexible carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The automated robotic system with programmable control replaces manual application methods, enabling the efficient handling of rigid container carriers that are difficult to apply by hand. The system's precision control and force management facilitate the application of rigid materials while maintaining high speed, resolving the contradiction between recyclability and application ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicating drum and push down wheel are designed to dynamically adjust application parameters such as pressure, speed, and positioning accuracy based on the rigid properties of the carrier material. This adaptive control enables successful application of rigid, recyclable carriers while maintaining operational ease through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to unitize a plurality of containers. An applicating drum applies each container carrier to a group of containers and a push down wheel subsequently firmly engages the container carrier to the group of containers so that each applied container carrier is engageable with each container.