Box Cap Closing with Pre-Folded Flaps to Prevent Packaging Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for rectangular parallelepiped-shaped boxes face issues with nozzle clogging and jamming due to curved end caps caused by temperature and humidity variations, leading to frequent stops and cardboard waste, especially when using corrugated cardboard of different compositions.
Innovation Solution
A method and packaging machine that transports the end cap with its transverse side flaps partially folded downwards, allowing for nearly horizontal glue application and mechanical flattening of the central panel, along with pre-folding the flaps at angles between 100° and 150° to reduce pressing time and prevent cap curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vertical glue application is used, then the gluing process is simple, but the nozzles become clogged and soiled frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical glue application approach by implementing horizontal glue application. The glue is applied horizontally to the flaps while they are in a partially folded position, which prevents the nozzles from being positioned vertically above the flaps where glue would drip and cause clogging. This inversion of the application direction fundamentally resolves the nozzle clogging issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies glue to the flaps before they are fully folded down into their final position. By applying glue to the flaps in their partially folded state, the glue is deposited on surfaces that will subsequently be pressed against the case walls, ensuring proper adhesion while preventing nozzle clogging during the transfer process.
2Ease of manufacture
If caps are transferred horizontally, then the transfer process is simple, but the curved caps cause jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary flattening of the cap's central panel and partial folding of the flaps before the cap is transferred horizontally to the closing station. This preliminary preparation ensures that the cap is in an optimal state for horizontal transfer, preventing jams that would otherwise occur due to cap curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cap by mechanically flattening the central panel and pre-folding the flaps at specific angles (100°-150°) before transfer. This parameter modification eliminates the curvature that causes jamming during horizontal transfer, while the cap retains its functionality for subsequent gluing operations.
3Productivity
If flaps are folded completely down, then the cap is closed, but the pressing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of partial action by folding the flaps down only to a partial extent (forming angles of 100°-150° with the central panel) rather than folding them completely flat against the case walls. This partial folding is sufficient to position the flaps for gluing while minimizing the pressing time required, as the flaps are already close to their final position and require less compression force and time to bond.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of the closing process, reduces nozzle soiling and clogging, minimizes cardboard waste, and decreases the risk of machine jams, while ensuring effective gluing and efficient processing of boxes.
Implementation Method 1
glue being projected respectively onto the upper portions of the longitudinal side walls of said crate and onto the lower faces of the two transverse side flaps of said cap during their transfer
Implementation Method 2
folding and pressing for a predetermined time of said four side flaps of the cap against the upper portions of the side walls of the crate so as to ensure the fixing by gluing of the cap onto the crate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
[The invention relates to a method of closing a crate by means of a cap (30) comprising a rectangular central panel (31) and four lateral flaps (33), said method comprising the steps of: - transfer of said crate and said cap (30) to a closing station where said cap is placed horizontally above said crate, the two transverse lateral flaps (33) of said cap being held, during the transfer of the latter, in a partially folded downwards position; - vertical sliding approach of said crate and said cap so that the top edge of this crate comes into contact with said central panel; - folding and pressing for a predetermined time of the four said lateral flaps against the upper portions of the lateral walls of the crate so as to ensure the fixing by gluing of said cap on said crate.