Adjustable Box Erecting Rail Layout for Mixed Product Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box erecting technologies are limited in their ability to efficiently adapt to a wide variety of product sizes and configurations, requiring manual labor and potentially causing tearing or heat during the box erection process.
Innovation Solution
A box erecting device with two rails and two platforms, connected by a spine and baseplates, that uses a controllable articulated robotic arm to guide and seal boxes, allowing for smooth product movement and adjustment with manual tools, suitable for various product sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to unfold and open flat products into box form, then the process can be completed, but production rates are limited and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic arm system that uses computer control to grasp, extend, and manipulate flat products through mechanical grippers, thereby increasing production rate while reducing manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system operates autonomously under computer control to perform the complete box erection process including grasping, extending, positioning on jig, and folding operations, making the system self-sufficient for high-volume production
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-point robotic arms are used for box erection, then automation is achieved, but adaptability to various product sizes and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable jig with adjustable components that can be repositioned along the robotic arm's path, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different product sizes and configurations while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system is designed to handle multiple product types and configurations using the same base platform, achieving versatility through programmable control and adjustable fixtures rather than requiring dedicated equipment for each product type
3Reliability
If traditional box erection methods are used, then the process is simple, but tearing or heat may occur during the box erection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potentially damaging manual or traditional mechanical erection methods with a controlled robotic system that uses programmable motion profiles and force control to gently manipulate products, eliminating tearing and heat damage while ensuring consistent product integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the erection process in real-time, detecting product position, force applied, and potential damage risks, allowing the system to adjust parameters to prevent tearing or heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
A box erecting device and method has two rails and two platforms upon moveable clips that provide for a wide range of product sizes and configurations. The rails begin near each other then widen apart along their length. The two rails extend from a fore upright downward and outward to a cross member. The two platforms include a middle member and an aft upright. A spine connects to the fore upright, the middle member, the cross member, and the aft upright. A fore leg and a mutually parallel aft leg descend from the spine to their baseplates. The baseplates attach to a supporting surface. The rails extend below the elevation of the spine and below the aft member. The components of the invention connect with mechanical clips inserted into slots upon the components. Installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the device utilizes hand tools.