Continuous Box Closing via Rotation and Dynamic Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging plants are inefficient and have limited productivity due to the need to interrupt the feed of boxes to perform closing operations, which requires the boxes to be stationary for correct positioning and connection of transverse sides.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with conveyors and a rotation device that allows boxes to be continuously fed and rotated in the direction of feed, enabling the connection of lateral walls of the container bottom and lid while moving, thereby eliminating the need for box stoppages and allowing continuous closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If boxes are stopped to perform closing operations on transverse sides, then closing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the closing apparatus to perform closing operations on moving boxes rather than requiring stationary boxes. The apparatus is designed to accommodate box movement while maintaining closing precision through dynamic positioning mechanisms that track and adjust to the moving box position in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by eliminating stoppages in the box feed line. Boxes continue to move continuously through the apparatus while closing operations are performed on the transverse sides, ensuring that the useful action of box processing is uninterrupted and productivity is maximized.
2Productivity
If boxes are fed continuously without interruption, then productivity is improved, but closing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism that acts as a mediator between the moving box and the closing apparatus. This intermediary system ensures proper alignment and positioning of the box relative to the closing tools while the box continues to move, thereby maintaining closing precision without requiring complete stoppage of the feed line.
3Manufacturing precision
If closing operations are performed on stationary boxes, then closing accuracy is improved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static closing operation into a dynamic process where the closing apparatus can accurately position and perform closing actions on boxes that are in motion. This dynamic capability eliminates the time loss associated with stopping and starting boxes while maintaining closing accuracy through real-time positioning adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6a~6c
AI summary
Apparatus for closing boxes (11), each provided with a container bottom (13) and a lid (14). The apparatus comprises at least a first closing device (110) for the connection of at least one of first lateral walls (15) of the container bottom (13) with at least one of first lateral walls (18) of the lid (14). The first lateral walls (15, 18) are located substantially parallel to a direction of feed (P) of the boxes (11). The apparatus comprises, downstream of the first closing device (110), and disposed in succession along the direction of feed (P), a rotation device (130) configured to rotate the boxes (11) and to dispose second lateral walls (15, 18) of the container bottom (13) and of the lid (14), adjacent and contiguous to the first lateral walls (15, 18), parallel to the direction of feed (P), and a second closing device (120) for the connection of at least one of the second lateral walls (15) of the container bottom (13) with at least one of the second lateral walls (18) of the lid (14).