Cardboard Box Closing Group With Pneumatic Pushers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic closing groups for lids of cardboard boxes formed by punching face issues with vibrations during rotational movement, inability to adapt to varying box formats, and require conveyor belt stoppage for correct closure, leading to inconsistent and inefficient box sealing.
Innovation Solution
An automatic closing group featuring a manipulator column with motorized slides and pushers that adjust to box dimensions using a central computer, allowing for continuous conveyor belt operation and precise alignment of the coverage flap with the box body, ensuring correct closure without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rotating arm with movable pushing elements is used to close the coverage flap, then the box can be automatically closed, but vibrations occur during rotational movement that prevent correct coupling and create inconsistent impacts on the box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating arm mechanical system with a pneumatic or hydraulic pushing mechanism. The movable pushing elements are actuated by compressed air or hydraulic pressure, eliminating the rotational movement and associated vibrations. This substitution maintains automatic operation while ensuring stable, vibration-free coupling of the coverage flap to the box body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful rotational movement component from the closing mechanism. By removing the rotating arm and its associated vibration-generating motion, the system retains only the essential function of pushing the coverage flap into place, thereby eliminating the source of vibrations and coupling inaccuracies.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-length rotating arm is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to boxes with various formats and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable elements to the pushing mechanism. The pushing elements can be repositioned along the length of the arm or the arm itself can be adjusted in length via pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to various box formats while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pushing mechanism to perform multiple functions: it can adjust its position and length to accommodate different box sizes, and it can apply force at various points on the coverage flap. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to handle diverse box formats without requiring complete redesign.
3Device complexity
If the movable pushing elements have only two fixed positions, then the mechanism is simple, but it is difficult to regulate and adapt to single formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating mechanism where the pushing elements can automatically adjust their position based on the detected box dimensions. Sensors or feedback mechanisms detect the box format and automatically reposition the pushing elements to the appropriate locations, eliminating the need for manual regulation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of the pushing element positions rather than limiting them to fixed discrete positions. By allowing the position parameters to be varied continuously or in fine increments, the system can adapt to different box formats while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
4Manufacturing precision
If the conveyor belt is stopped to correctly fold the coverage flap, then the folding can be performed accurately, but productivity is reduced due to stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary folding of the coverage flap while the box is still moving on the conveyor belt. The pushing elements are positioned and the flap is pre-folded in advance, so that the final sealing action can be completed accurately without requiring the conveyor to stop. This preliminary action maintains both productivity and folding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the conveyor belt to continue moving continuously throughout the entire closing process. The pushing mechanism is designed to accommodate the continuous motion, applying force and completing the folding action while the box moves at constant speed, thereby eliminating stoppages and maintaining uninterrupted productivity.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An automatic closing group for lids of cardboard boxes (10), formed by punching and fed consecutively with a coverage flap (12) open by means of a lower conveyor (19), wherein the closing group comprises a frame (18) on which a manipulator column (20) is positioned, carrying a closing head of the coverage flap (12) open above a box-shaped body (13) of the box, wherein the closing head is positioned on a slide (36) which moves transversally with respect to the advance direction of the boxes (10), wherein the slide (36) is in turn carried by another vertically movable slide (25) in the manipulator column (20), wherein the closing head comprises a front pusher (28) acting, in a first phase, on a central panel (15) of the coverage flap (12) and, in a second phase, on a further panel (16) situated in front of the central panel (15) and connected to the same by a folding invitation line, and a pair of side pushers (29), acting on two further side panels (16') of the coverage flap (12), also connected to the central panel (15) with respective folding invitation lines, control means being envisaged for the traversing of the slides and for moving the pushers (28,29) in addition to a computer (44) for setting the dimensions of the box being closed.