Bottom-Loading Case Sheathing for Fragile Bottle Collation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in loading items into cases, particularly when the items are narrow or tapered, as they can be difficult to automate and may cause damage, especially for fragile items like glass or plastic bottles, and bottom loading is complicated by the difficulty of closing flaps when items are supported within the case.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an item delivery apparatus, collation platform, pedestal apparatus, and case movement apparatus, including a multi-axis robot arm, to transfer and load items into an erected case through a bottom opening, using a tilted path to sheath the items and engage/disengage movement rods for efficient loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If top loading or side loading is used for erected cases, then the loading process is simpler, but fragile items like glass or plastic bottles are susceptible to damage or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional loading approach by implementing bottom loading instead of top loading or side loading. The case is positioned upside down with the bottom opening facing upward, allowing items to be loaded from the bottom. This inversion eliminates the damaging drop effect while maintaining automated loading capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bottom loading is used to prevent item damage, then fragile items are protected, but closing the bottom flaps becomes difficult when items are supported within the case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by supporting the bottom flaps during the item loading process. The flaps are held in an open position before loading, during loading, and after loading completes. This preliminary support action allows items to be loaded without obstruction and enables subsequent flap closing without interference from supported items.
3Productivity
If automated loading systems are used for narrow or tapered items, then productivity increases, but the system faces challenges to lift and adjust groups of several items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure that facilitates the automated handling of narrow or tapered items. The support surface and positioning mechanisms act as intermediaries between the automated loading system and the items, enabling efficient group handling without requiring complex lifting and adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for loading cases with items comprising: an item delivery apparatus operable to deliver a plurality of items to a transfer station; a collation platform operable to support a group of items; a pedestal apparatus operable to support the group of items; a first transfer apparatus operable to transfer a plurality of items from the item delivery apparatus to the collation platform. A second transfer apparatus transfers the group of items from the collation platform to the pedestal apparatus. At least one movement rod moves the group of items. A case movement apparatus such as a six-axis robotic arm is moves an erected case in a path that sheaths a group of items located on said pedestal apparatus with an erected case. The path of the case may have a tilted position and include an arced pivoting movement.