Automated Box Handle Attachment Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying a strip-like element to a box-like element, such as a handle or grip, are inefficient and lack precision due to manual operations like cutting, folding, and attachment, leading to instability and non-uniform results in both covered and uncovered boxes.
Innovation Solution
A machine comprising a cutting unit, loading unit, folding and insertion unit, and attachment unit that automatically cuts, folds, and inserts a U-shaped strip-like element into a slit on a box-like element, ensuring stable attachment and precise alignment, with optional adhesive application and subsequent gluing of the strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used to cut, fold, insert and attach the strip-like element, then the process is simple and flexible, but the production efficiency is low and the results lack precision and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a cutting unit for cutting the strip-like element, a folding and insertion unit for forming and inserting the strip, and an attachment unit for securing it. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and productivity improvement.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting and folding are performed, then the equipment requirement is low, but the manufacturing precision and uniformity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The strip-like element is pre-cut to the required length by the cutting unit and pre-folded into the correct U-shape configuration by the folding and insertion unit before being inserted into the box-like element. This preliminary preparation ensures precise and uniform application results while reducing the complexity of manual operations during the main assembly process.
3Reliability
If manual insertion and attachment of the strip-like element is performed, then the setup is simple, but the stability and reliability of the attachment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The folding and insertion unit combines the folding action and insertion action into a single integrated operation, while the attachment unit simultaneously applies adhesive and presses the strip into place. This merging of operations ensures reliable and stable attachment of the strip-like element while maintaining high productivity by completing multiple steps in one automated cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine to work a box-like element or similar includes a cutting unit to cut a strip-like element on a corresponding lying plane in a first substantially plane configuration; a loading unit with a thrust blade translatable in a first direction; a folding and insertion unit having a housing seating of the strip-like element that is directed substantially orthogonally to said lying plane, so that after translation of the thrust blade in said first direction the strip-like element is introduced into said housing seating, assumes a “U” shape and has flaps and a connection part; said folding and insertion unit being translatable in a second direction to at least partly insert said flaps in a slit in the box-like element; and an attachment unit of part of said flaps inside said box-like element on which the slit is made, so that the connection part protrudes from the box-like element.