Cardboard Blank Insertion Device for Can Group Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging methods for groups of cans, such as using plastic sheets or rings, result in material waste, high costs, and environmental concerns due to non-biodegradable materials, and existing machines cannot automatically seal cardboard blanks on adjacent cans.
Innovation Solution
A device that automatically inserts a cardboard blank into an operating position on groups of adjacent cans, using a feeding station, gripping elements, and pressing mechanisms to position and secure the blank around the cans, forming a stable and recyclable packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic sheets or rings are used to package groups of cans, then the cans are securely blocked and packaged, but material waste increases and environmental harm occurs due to non-biodegradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from plastic to cardboard, transforming the packaging material into a biodegradable and recyclable alternative while maintaining the functional requirement of securing cans in groups
Solution Approach 2:
The cardboard blank is designed as a single-use, disposable packaging element that is inexpensive, biodegradable, and effective for its intended purpose, replacing expensive and persistent plastic materials
2Reliability
If plastic rings are used to block and package groups of cans, then the packaging is secure and functional, but costs increase and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition from non-recyclable plastic to recyclable cardboard, improving the environmental and economic parameters while preserving the mechanical functionality of the packaging
Solution Approach 2:
The cardboard packaging is designed to be easily discarded after use and is fully recyclable, allowing the material to be recovered and reused, unlike plastic which is difficult to recycle and often ends up as waste
3Productivity
If automatic packaging machines are implemented, then productivity increases and costs decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic packaging machine is divided into separate functional modules: a feeding station for supplying cardboard blanks and a positioning device for placing them on can groups, allowing independent optimization and maintenance of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device automatically feeds and positions cardboard blanks without manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself and maintain high productivity with minimal human involvement
4Ease of manufacture
If existing packaging devices are used to place cans in plastic rings, then packaging is achieved, but automatic sealing of cardboard blanks on adjacent cans is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is equipped with sealing means that automatically seal the cardboard blank to the cans during the positioning process, enabling the system to perform multiple functions (positioning and sealing) without additional manual steps
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding and positioning functions are merged into a single integrated device that combines blank supply, positioning, and sealing operations, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving full automation
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for the automatic insertion in an operating position of a cardboard blank or the like on groups of cans to form a package suitable for being positioned in a machine for the automatic production of packagings essentially comprising a feeding station (12) of cans (13) adjacent to each other in two rows, a feeding station (14) of blanks (15) and an operationally positioning station (16) of said blanks (15) on groups (21) of cans (13), wherein said blank (15) provides at least a couple of paired openings (17), the device comprising a gripping group of the cans in two adjacent rows and a group for inserting the blank on the group of cans formed, wherein said insertion group provides a series of pressing elements (26) arranged one after another and caused to move in synchronism with said gripping group that carries said groups (21) of cans (13) forwards. Each opening (17) of said blank provides, on its perimetric edge, a series of teeth (18) protruding radially towards the inside of the maximum diameter of the opening (17) and said teeth (18) are provided with bending invitation lines or yielding lines (19) which favour the bending of the teeth and their positioning in correspondence with a perimetric edge (20) formed on top of each can (13), each of said pressing elements (26) providing hollow overturned glass-shaped elements (29) provided with an essentially circular lower edge (48) that move between a raised detached position above each upper perimetric edge (20) of each can (13) to a lowered position to push the blank (15), or its openings (17) to become firmly positioned on said edges (20) of the cans (13) that enter the openings (17), wherein said lower edge (48) has a dimension of the internal diameter equal to or rather slightly greater than the minimum internal diameter D of the opening (17) in correspondence with the teeth (18) and at the same time it must be less than the maximum diameter of the opening (17) in correspondence with said bending invitation lines or yielding lines (19).