Bottle Strapping Plant With Multi-Directional Strap Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current strapping technologies for packaging PET bottles are inefficient and have not been effectively industrialized, with existing systems producing poor results and being unsuitable for large-scale use.

Innovation Solution

A plant using band-like bindings (straps) applied by conventional strapping machines, featuring a conveyor system that groups bottles in a predetermined order, applies straps perpendicular to the bottle axes, and includes a third strap forming a handle, with additional mechanisms to prevent counter-rotation and quincunx positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional strapping machines are used for packaging PET bottles, then the packaging speed increases, but the packaging quality and reliability deteriorate due to improper strap application and container instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidpackaging quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is divided into multiple functional stations: a first strapping station for applying horizontal straps, a second strapping station for applying vertical straps, and a third strapping station for applying diagonal straps. Each station performs a specific strapping function, ensuring proper strap application while maintaining high packaging speed through parallel processing of different strapping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multi-dimensional strapping by applying straps in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal orientations relative to the container axes. This multi-directional approach provides comprehensive stabilization of the container pack, preventing counter-rotation and quincunx positioning while maintaining efficient packaging operations.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If straps are applied to secure containers, then packaging stability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple strapping stations and conveyor mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports containers through the first strapping station, carries packaged containers to the second strapping station, and delivers finished packs to the third strapping station. This multi-functional conveyor reduces the need for separate handling mechanisms at each station, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high packaging stability through comprehensive strapping.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple straps are applied in different orientations, then container stabilization improves, but manufacturing time increases due to sequential strapping operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system operates continuously, carrying containers through multiple strapping stations without interruption. Containers are strapped horizontally at the first station, then immediately transported to the second station for vertical strapping, and finally to the third station for diagonal strapping. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between strapping operations while maintaining comprehensive container stabilization through multi-oriented strap application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3523202B1Plant for applying straps to a group of containers such as bottles or the like
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 RIBI LTD
  • EP3523202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3523202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3523202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The plant of the present invention relates to an operating unit able to perform a rapid packing, that is a safe, simple and transportable pack 1 obtained by means of three straps : one strap applied on the lower half of the body of the bottles 1, the second one applied at the neck of the bottles 1, both arranged on planes perpendicular to the vertical axes of the bottles 1, the third one, on the contrary, applied loose and perpendicular to the other two straps, lies on a vertical plane passing by the center of gravity of the pack, that is arranged on a plane comprised between two adjacent rows of bottles 1 in contact with each other for example in the plane that separates the two rows of three bottles 1 of the standard pack made of six bottles 1.