Compact Beverage Container Bundling Device with Rotating Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for producing adhesive containers are inefficient for small batches due to high conversion costs and complex format changes, requiring large spaces and high throughput speeds, making them unsuitable for processing small numbers of differently shaped beverage containers.

Innovation Solution

A compact device with two spaced-apart adhesive application units and a rotating transport system that allows for intermittent processing, enabling quick format changes and efficient bonding of small batches of beverage containers into packs with minimal space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous transport through individual work stations is used, then high throughput speed is achieved, but device length and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput speedVSAvoiddevice length
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple work stations (adhesive application, rotation, transport) into a single integrated device where containers are processed in a compact circular path. The transport device brings containers from different positions to a central processing area, merging functions that would traditionally be distributed along a long linear path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement of work stations to a two-dimensional circular arrangement. Containers move in a circular path around a central axis, allowing multiple processing positions to be accessed without increasing the device's linear length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If large numbers of containers are processed simultaneously, then high throughput is achieved, but format changes become extremely complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidformat change complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent processes containers in smaller batches rather than large continuous streams. The transport device holds a limited number of containers at each position, allowing independent processing and easier reconfiguration for different formats without affecting a large number of containers simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different container formats. The transport device can adjust its positioning and the adhesive application can be modified for different container types, enabling flexible format changes with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple adhesive heads apply adhesive to different contact surfaces, then bonding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding efficiencyVSAvoidapplication unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive application device uses a universal application mechanism that can apply adhesive to different contact surfaces of containers. The system is designed to handle various container configurations (single row, multiple rows, different orientations) with the same basic adhesive application principle, reducing the need for specialized components for each surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device allows for economic production of adhesive packs from small batches with reduced space requirements and simplified format changes, enhancing flexibility and throughput by applying adhesive to multiple contact surfaces without extensive container rotation.

Implementation Method 1

Containers whose containers are held together by adhesive are particularly advantageous because they are inexpensive and the adhesive is usually arranged between the containers at the respective contact points of the containers with one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3174798B1Device and method for producing bundles from containers
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 KHS GMBH
  • EP3174798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3174798B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for producing bundles of containers. In order to enable economic adhesion of small quantities of a beverage container type into bundles, according to the invention a device has two application units, which are spaced apart from each other, for cyclic application of adhesive to the beverage containers, a transport device which transfers the beverage containers from a first processing position converging to a second processing position, a rotation device which rotates the beverage containers and a bundle former which combines the beverage containers having the adhesive into bundles comprising a plurality of beverage containers.