Box Erecting Station with Controlled Suction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boxing machines face difficulties in minimizing blank elastic return and adjusting for different box sizes, leading to prolonged downtimes, frequent adjustments, and increased jamming during size changeovers.
Innovation Solution
A station with controlled operating means that positively open and maintain the arrangement of box sides until insertion into the box conveying line, using a rocker arm with suction cups, controlled erecting means, and transferring mechanisms to handle varying blank dimensions and sizes, ensuring reliable operation and rapid adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed stop elements are used to erect blanks, then the erecting action is simple, but the blank elastic return cannot be minimized and adjustment for different box sizes is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed stop elements with dynamic, controlled erecting means that can actively adapt to different box sizes. The controlled erecting means includes adjustable components that can be positioned according to the specific dimensions of each box type, allowing the system to maintain reliability across various sizes while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables rapid adjustment of erecting parameters (such as stop element positions and forcing angles) when changing box sizes. This allows the same basic mechanism to handle multiple box dimensions by changing operational parameters rather than physical components, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If controlled erecting means are used to positively open boxes, then the box arrangement is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a controlled system that uses programmable logic to manage the erecting process. The controlled erecting means are guided by control logic that automatically adjusts parameters based on box size, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable box arrangement control through electronic/software control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed stop elements are used for different box sizes, then various sizes can be handled, but the adjustment time increases and downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controlled erecting means that can handle multiple box sizes through programmable adjustment rather than requiring separate fixed stop elements for each size. The system uses a standardized mechanism with adjustable parameters that can be rapidly reconfigured via control logic, enabling one device to perform multiple size-handling functions without prolonged adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores positioning data and erecting parameters for different box sizes in its control logic. When a size changeover is required, the control system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment, thus reducing downtime while maintaining versatility.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment and fine tuning is performed for each box size, then precise erecting is achieved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled erecting means incorporate feedback mechanisms that monitor the erecting process and automatically adjust parameters to achieve precise box arrangement. The control system receives information about box position and orientation, then makes real-time corrections without requiring manual intervention, maintaining high precision while preserving productivity through automated closed-loop control.
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
The solution enables reliable and efficient box erection and insertion, maintaining high production speeds and minimizing machine downtimes during size changes, while preventing misalignment and jamming.
Implementation Method 1
a rocker arm, having suction cups set under vacuum condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A station (100) for withdrawing and erecting flat folded tubular blanks in a boxing machine includes: withdrawing means (1), which strip out a flat folded blank (F) from a magazine (M) and place it onto a moving element (2), situated below and associated to a auxiliary conveying line (TA), that extends along a close loop path. Gripping suction cups (20), situated in the moving element (2), engage the lower side (L1) of the blank (F). Controlled erecting means (30), situated in the moving element (2), make the edge-resting sides (L3, L4) of the blank (F) rotate synchronously, along the respective lines of articulation to the lower side (L1), until a corresponding box (G) is defined. Transferring means (40), situated in the moving element (2), move the box (G) laterally with respect to the auxiliary conveying line (TA), to insert the box (G) into a corresponding seat (V) on the box conveying line (TS), situated beside the auxiliary conveying line (TA).