Bidirectional Conveyor Packaging System for Simultaneous Protective Element Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems for folding boxes require multiple passes through a circular conveyor line for inserting protective elements, leading to long processing times and large footprints, especially in smaller systems.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional conveyor line system with a first station for folding boxes and a second station for protective elements, allowing simultaneous insertion of protective elements at infeed and outfeed routes, and a robotic arm for flexible positioning of protective elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular conveyor line is used for inserting protective elements, then the system can handle multiple insertion points, but the packaging time increases due to multiple passes through the conveyor line
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protective element insertion process into two independent segments: a first insertion device for inserting protective elements at the first position, and a second insertion device for inserting protective elements at the second position. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation at both positions, eliminating the need for multiple conveyor passes and reducing packaging time while maintaining the capability to handle multiple insertion points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a circular conveyor line is used for inserting protective elements, then the system can accommodate multiple filling stations, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a circular conveyor layout (occupying large planar space) to a linear conveyor arrangement with filling stations positioned along the same line. The conveyor line extends in one dimension, and filling stations are arranged sequentially along this dimension, allowing multiple insertion points without requiring the large circular footprint of conventional systems.
3Reliability
If the conveyor line runs through several times for multiple insert sheets, then all protective elements can be inserted, but the processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous protective element insertion by having the conveyor line transport outer packaging continuously through the system while the first and second insertion devices operate simultaneously at different positions. This eliminates the need to stop and reverse the conveyor for multiple passes, maintaining continuous motion and maximizing processing speed while ensuring all protective elements are inserted.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaging system or a packaging method for packing folding cartons into outer packaging 30 for transport and simultaneously protecting them from transport damage by inserting suitable protective elements. The outer packaging 30 can be conveyed back and forth on a bidirectionally controllable conveyor 14 between a first filling station 31 for inserting the flat items to be packaged and a second filling station 32 for inserting the protective elements. This allows for a reduction in packaging times, costs, and space requirements compared to conventional ring conveyors.