Carton Maintaining Tool for Dynamic Container Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems are inefficient in using minimal materials while ensuring strength and adaptability for packaging multiple primary product containers, such as cans and bottles, into cartons, and lack adaptability for varying configurations.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a main conveyor, plunger, and carton maintaining tool system that positions and maintains cartons and containers efficiently, using a plunger conveyor and counter plunger conveyor to ensure precise placement and grouping of containers within cartons, with contoured tracks for continuous motion and separate tool and plunger tracks for independent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional packaging systems are used, then packaging can be performed, but material efficiency is poor and carton strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning systems where cartons are actively adjusted and maintained in precise positions during the packaging process. The positioning mechanism adapts to different carton configurations and continuously maintains optimal positioning, enabling efficient material usage while ensuring carton strength through controlled placement and grouping of primary packages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional packaging systems are used, then packaging can be performed, but adaptability for different configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system incorporates universal positioning mechanisms and adjustable guide structures that can accommodate various carton sizes, shapes, and configurations. The same core positioning apparatus can be adjusted to handle different primary package arrangements, providing multi-functionality without requiring entirely separate systems for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable positioning elements that can be reconfigured for different carton types. The positioning mechanism adapts its parameters and geometry to match the specific configuration requirements, enabling versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that doesn't require complete redesign for each application.
3Strength
If more material is used in cartons, then carton strength improves, but material efficiency and waste reduction are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and grouping of primary packages before final carton assembly. By pre-arranging containers in optimal configurations and maintaining their positions during conveyance, the system ensures that cartons can be constructed with minimal material while achieving required strength through precise package arrangement and grouping rather than excessive carton material.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging machine includes a main conveyor configured to convey cartons and containers in a conveyance direction from a first end of the main conveyor where partially erected cartons and containers enter the conveyor to a second end where containers inside the cartons exit the conveyor. A plunger is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to plunge in a plunge direction lateral to the conveyance direction to position a group of containers within a carton. A carton maintaining tool is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to engage the carton to maintain position of the carton along the plunge direction in opposition to the plunger as the plunger positions the group of containers within the carton.