Automatic Container Loading With Rotating Trays For Stable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading and packaging plastic molded containers face challenges with automation when dealing with varying container sizes, shapes, and types, manual insertion of interleaving paper, container misalignment, and contamination from foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a main body with a container placement space, a pusher, a container loading box, a container tray, and a box tray, allowing for automatic alignment, insertion of interleaving paper, and stable stacking of containers, minimizing foreign matter introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual loading and packaging method is used, then flexibility to handle various container types is maintained, but labor intensity is high and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is designed with a universal container placement space that can accommodate various container types (beverage containers, food containers, cosmetic containers) with different dimensions and shapes. The pusher mechanism and alignment system are configured to handle multiple container formats without requiring separate loading mechanisms for each type, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining high productivity through automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable components including the pusher that can adjust its position and force application, and the container placement space that can dynamically adapt to different container configurations. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain flexibility for various container types while operating at high speed automated rates
2Productivity
If robot jig method is used for automation, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different container types deteriorates due to fixed dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device replaces the fixed robot jig with a universal placement space and adjustable pusher mechanism that can accommodate various container types. This design maintains automated high-speed productivity while eliminating the need for reprogramming or jig replacement when switching between different container formats
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the pusher mechanism and container placement configuration to adapt to different container types. By adjusting the pusher position, force, and placement space dimensions, the system maintains automated productivity while achieving versatility across different container specifications without requiring physical reconfiguration
3Extent of automation
If push method is used for stacking containers, then automation is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates causing collapse or misloading
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary alignment of containers in the placement space before the pushing action. The alignment system pre-positions containers correctly, and then the pusher transfers them to the box with maintained alignment. This preliminary action ensures high alignment precision is achieved before automation takes over the transfer process, preventing collapse and misloading
4Ease of operation
If box is kept open during loading, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination from foreign matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary controlled opening mechanism between the open box and the external environment. This intermediary allows the loading operation to proceed with the box effectively open for ease of operation, while the controlled opening mechanism prevents foreign matter contamination by regulating what enters the box during the automated loading process
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically loading and packaging a container, the device comprising: a main body (10) having a container placement space (11) into which a container (1) enters on one side of an upper portion; a pusher (20) configured to push the container (1) entering the container placement space (11) in a direction perpendicular to the container entry direction; a container loading box (30) installed in the main body (10) such that one side thereof is open so as to communicate with the container placement space (11), and having a container storage space (31) in which the container (1) moved by the pusher (20) is stored; a container tray (40) that is configured to move up and down while supporting the container (1) moved inside the container loading box (30), thereby moving the container (1) loaded inside the container loading box (30) upward, and is configured to rotate 180 degrees based on one side; and a box tray (50) that has one side connected to a box (2) disposed on an upper part of the container loading box (30), is configured to rotate 180 degrees with respect to the other side such that the box tray (50) rotates along with the container tray (40) while the container (1) has entered the box (2) by the up-and-down movement of the container tray (40) to support one side of the box (2), and is capable of moving up and down to allow the box (2) to move to a floor outside the main body (10).