Box Folding Machine With Vacuum Positioning and Guided Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional box folding machines require complex structures and are labor-intensive for converting flattened paper boxes into container form, which is time-consuming and inefficient for large quantities.
Innovation Solution
A simplified box folding machine design featuring a base driving member, positioning units with vacuum suction, pushing units, and guide frame units that facilitate the sequential folding of box components into a container state, utilizing a rotatable base frame and pivotable guide frames to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional box folding machine structure is used, then automatic folding capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into independent functional modules: a base frame unit with rotatable base frame, positioning units with vacuum suction members, pushing units with pushing members, and guide frame units with pivotable guide frames. Each module performs a specific function in the folding sequence, allowing the complex folding task to be broken down into manageable segments that reduce overall structural complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic components including a rotatable base frame that rotates between horizontal and vertical positions, pivotable guide frames that adjust during the folding process, and movable positioning units that adapt to different box positions. These dynamic elements enable the machine to handle various folding stages flexibly without requiring a rigid, overly complex fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If manual folding procedure is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs the folding operation autonomously through its automated mechanism. The base frame unit rotates automatically, positioning units engage and disengage automatically, pushing units apply force automatically, and guide frames pivot automatically through the folding sequence. This self-service capability eliminates manual labor while maintaining operational efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between labor flexibility and productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If flattened boxes are processed, then storage space is saved, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
Boxes are pre-flattened before entering the machine to maximize storage efficiency during transport and storage. The machine then performs the unfolding and folding operation in a single automated cycle as the boxes are processed through the production line. This preliminary flattening action separates the storage optimization from the processing time, allowing both requirements to be satisfied: boxes occupy minimal space when stored flattened but are quickly converted to ready-to-use form by the automated machine.
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 efficiently converts flattened boxes into a container state with a simplified structure, ensuring smooth operation and reduced labor and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum suction member that is disposed on the positioning seat
Data Source
AI summary
A box folding machine includes a base driving member, a pair of positioning units, and a base frame unit that has two opposite end portions. The base driving member is operable to drive the base frame unit to move between a first position, in which the end portions of the base frame unit are substantially arranged along a first direction, and a second position, in which the end portions of the base frame unit are substantially arranged along a second direction. Each of the positioning units includes a positioning seat. When the base frame unit is in the first position, the positioning seats of the positioning units are proximate to each other in the second direction and are misaligned from each other. When the base frame unit is in the second position, the positioning seats are distal from each other in the second direction.