Box Erecting Machine Transport and Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box forming systems require significant manual labor and occupy large spaces, making them inefficient and costly, as they need multiple machines and manual assembly to convert sheet material into boxes, and then manually erecting the boxes, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A box erecting machine with a transport mechanism and a box erecting assembly that includes vacuum heads, folding bars, and a closure mechanism to automate the process of transporting and erecting un-erected box templates into boxes with minimal manual labor, using pivot arms, clamps, and vacuum cups to secure and fold the boxes into a rectangular shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to erect boxes after template formation, then the process can be completed, but significant manual labor and time are required making it labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The box template is designed with self-erecting features including pre-formed flaps and creases that allow the box to automatically erect into its three-dimensional form without requiring manual intervention or additional machinery, thereby dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The box template is pre-prepared with all necessary folds, creases, and flap configurations before the erection process, enabling the box to automatically transform into its final three-dimensional shape when activated, eliminating the need for manual erection steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for template formation and box erection, then the complete box production process can be achieved, but the system occupies large floor space and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the template formation and box erection functions into a single integrated machine that performs both operations sequentially, eliminating the need for separate template forming and box erection machines, thereby reducing floor space requirements and simplifying the overall system while maintaining complete box production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single machine is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both template formation and box erection operations, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized machines, thus reducing device complexity and space occupation while maintaining versatile box production functionality
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 machine significantly reduces manual labor and space requirements by automating the process of erecting boxes, increasing efficiency and reducing costs associated with manual labor and equipment size, allowing for faster and more precise box formation.
Implementation Method 1
a box erecting assembly configured to erect the un-erected box. The box erecting assembly can include first and second vacuum heads, folding bars, and a closure mechanism. The first vacuum head can have one or more vacuum cups configured to selectively secure to one or more planar surfaces of the un-erected box.
Data Source
AI summary
A box erecting machine includes a transport mechanism that can move an un-erected box from an entry portion of the box erecting machine to a forward portion of the box erecting machine. The transport mechanism can include pivot arm(s) and clamp(s) for securing and moving the un-erected box. The machine can also include a box erecting assembly that erects the un-erected box. The box erecting assembly can include an opening or unfolding mechanism that opens or unfolds the un-erected box into a generally rectangular tube. The machine can also include a folding mechanism and a closure mechanism for folding and securing the bottom flaps of the box.