Carton Feeding System With Segmented Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carton feeding systems are limited in their ability to change direction and require significant space due to the need for cartons to be fed in a straight path, making them less efficient and more space-intensive when used with wrap style cartons.
Innovation Solution
A carton feeding system featuring a primary segment wheel with carton engaging segments and a secondary segment wheel with a soft, non-stick surface, allowing for the redirection of cartons within a short space through a series of pinch points, enabling efficient change in direction and compact placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cartons are fed in a substantially straight path through conventional feed rollers, then the cartons can be reliably conveyed to the downstream carton conveyor, but the system requires significant space and is limited in positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional feeding path with the first feed roller arranging cartons in a first direction and the second feed roller arranging them in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. This dimensional change allows the system to redirect cartons through pinch points, reducing the linear space required while maintaining reliable conveyance through controlled engagement at multiple orientation stages
2Device complexity
If the downstream carton conveyor is positioned at a limited alignment with the feeder, then the system can maintain simple structure, but the positioning flexibility and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system is segmented into two distinct feeding stages: a first feed roller for initial carton arrangement in a first direction, and a second feed roller for redirecting cartons in a second perpendicular direction. This segmentation allows the downstream carton conveyor to be positioned with greater flexibility while maintaining simple individual structures for each feed roller, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and positioning adaptability
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
Enables the feeding of cartons in a more compact space with minimal additional parts, improving efficiency and accessibility by allowing for a change in direction within a reduced space, thus reducing the overall size of the feeding system.
Implementation Method 1
the cartons are pulled forwardly and out of the magazine by a vacuum cup or similar suction device
Implementation Method 2
feed rollers, which pull the cartons forwardly and out of the magazine and feed them along a path of travel
Data Source
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AI summary
A carton feeding system is provided for feeding selected cartons from a stack of cartons contained within a carton magazine to a downstream carton conveyor such as for a product packaging machine. A carton picking device removes a selected carton from the stack of cartons within the magazine, after which the carton is engaged between a carton engaging segment of the primary segment wheel and a draw roller, which pulls the carton from the magazine and feeds the carton along a first path of travel. Thereafter, a secondary segment wheel engages and redirects a leading portion of the carton toward a second path of travel. The carton then is fed along its second path of travel toward engagement between a pair of downstream nip rolls that feed the carton into the downstream carton conveyor.