Carousel Packaging Frame Layout for More Working Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines for articles in boxes are bulky due to the arrangement and configuration of their components, particularly the support structures, which hinder the proper performance of operating units and occupy excessive working space.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device and method utilizing a carousel rotatable about a vertical axis, with a frame supported by the carousel and a fixing structure that allows the frame to remain fixed to the ground, eliminating the need for additional support elements and optimizing the working space by allowing the frame to be raised and rotated independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a traditional support structure fixed to the ground is used to hold the operating surface, then the structure provides stable support, but the machine becomes bulky and occupies excessive working space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking spaceVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional ground-fixed support structure entirely. Instead, the operating surface is supported by the carousel mechanism itself, which rotates about a vertical axis. This extraction of the support function from a separate structural element to the motion mechanism reduces the machine's footprint and increases working space while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The carousel mechanism serves dual functions: it provides the rotational motion necessary for packaging operations and simultaneously supports the operating surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing overall device complexity and freeing up working space that would otherwise be occupied by redundant structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional support elements are added to stabilize the operating surface, then structural stability is improved, but the device size and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfixing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function with the carousel mechanism. The operating surface is integrated into the carousel structure, which is already designed to bear loads during rotation. This merging eliminates the need for separate support elements and fixing structures, reducing construction cost and device complexity while maintaining structural stability through the inherent rigidity of the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the operating surface is raised and fixed to the ground, then stability is improved, but the working space and versatility of operating units are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidoperating units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static, ground-fixed operating surface to a dynamic configuration where the operating surface moves with the carousel rotation. This dynamic arrangement allows operating units to access articles at various positions around the carousel path, enhancing versatility. Stability is maintained through the controlled rotational motion and proper balancing of the carousel system, demonstrating that dynamic designs can achieve both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4436883B1Device and method for operating on products, in particular for packaging articles in boxes
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 RA JONES & CO INC
  • EP4436883B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4436883B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4436883B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device (100) for packaging articles (1) in boxes (2), comprising a carousel (3) rotatable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (X) and a frame (4) provided with a first operating unit (5) arranged to operate on one of said articles and/or one of said boxes. The frame is supported and kept raised from the ground by the carousel by means of a rotatable coupling that allows the relative rotation between the carousel and the frame. The device (100) also comprises a fixing structure (14) connected to the frame so that the frame remains fixed with respect to the ground when the carousel rotates around the axis of rotation. A method for packaging articles (1) in boxes (2) is also described.