Carton Blank Dragging Unit for Fast Multi-Format Cartoning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cartoning machines require reconfiguration when flat cartons of varying sizes are used, leading to inefficiencies in production and complexity in mechanical and structural adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A cartoning machine with adjustable mechanisms for handling and unfolding cartons of varying sizes, including a dragging unit with variable configuration and adjustable components for precise handling and unfolding, allowing for efficient production without compromising quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cartoning machine is reconfigured to handle different flat carton formats, then the machine can process varying sizes of cartons, but the production efficiency decreases and mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different carton formatsVSAvoidnumber of complete packs per minute
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The picking up means and dragging unit are designed with adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different carton formats. The dragging unit features adjustable dragging means that can be reconfigured without complete disassembly, allowing the machine to adapt to varying carton sizes while maintaining continuous operation and high production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The picking up means is divided into modular components including individual picking elements and adjustable dragging means that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of specific sections to match different carton formats, enabling format changes without requiring complete machine reconfiguration, thus preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cartoning machine is reconfigured to handle different flat carton formats, then the machine can process varying sizes of cartons, but the mechanical and structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different carton formatsVSAvoidmechanical and structural adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The picking up means and dragging unit are designed as universal components capable of handling multiple carton formats through adjustment rather than replacement. The adjustable dragging means can be reconfigured to work with different carton sizes using the same mechanical structure, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates dynamically adjustable elements that can be repositioned along guided paths to accommodate different carton formats. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical means such as adjustable arms and repositionable dragging elements, avoiding complex mechanical systems while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4493474B1Cartoning machine
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PLUSLINE SRL
  • EP4493474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4493474B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4493474B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Cartoning machine comprising: a store unit (M) for cardboard blanks (F); an unfolding station (S); a feeding station (A) for products (RC) to be packaged. Means for picking the blanks from the store unit by moving them along a picking direction (DP), a conveyor (CB), and means for transferring the blanks from the store unit to the conveyor are arranged between the store unit and the unfolding station. The transfer means comprise a dragging unit (T) and a compartment (VR) below the dragging unit, provided with unloading means (VR2). The dragging unit comprises an active zone (ZY) with means (Tl, T2) which can be selectively activated and deactivated suitable for engaging the blanks and moving them along said picking direction. The collection compartment comprises a front wall (VRA) and a rear wall (VRB) whose positions are adjustable with respect to said direction (DP).