Carton Sheet Separator Machine Using Horizontal Pushing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for separating carton sheets from a stack face inefficiencies, particularly when cartons have smooth surfaces, leading to poor friction on conveyor belts and discontinuous separation processes, and require manual intervention when changing carton types.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a handling station, warehouse, and gripping system that uses a fork member, rolls, and sucker means to efficiently separate carton sheets, featuring a lifting member and motorized rolls to manage carton stacks and ensure continuous operation, independent of carton surface texture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sucker system is used to lift and separate cartons automatically, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases due to complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from the complex lifting system. Instead of using a sucker system that lifts and transports cartons, the patent uses a simple pushing mechanism that only separates cartons from the stack, leaving the transport function to the existing conveyor belt. This reduces device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the carton stack handling into two independent functions: separation (performed by the pushing mechanism) and transport (performed by the conveyor belt). This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If cartons are compressed downwardly against a conveyor belt for separation, then separation is achieved, but reliability decreases when cartons have smooth surfaces due to poor friction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of compressing cartons downward onto the conveyor belt (relying on friction), the invention pushes cartons from the front, horizontally, along the conveyor belt. This inverted approach eliminates dependence on friction between the carton bottom surface and the conveyor belt, ensuring reliable separation even for smooth-surfaced cartons.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual emptying is used when changing carton types, then adaptability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the system to empty the warehouse automatically by reversing the pushing mechanism. Instead of manual emptying, the system can push remaining cartons from the warehouse back to the handling station, allowing rapid changeover between carton types without manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation.
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 efficient and continuous separation of carton sheets, improving productivity by avoiding carton malfunctions and allowing automated loading, unloading, and topping up without interrupting the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a sucker means (18) for gripping a carton (C) from below, from the stack of cartons
Implementation Method 2
a gripping station (5)... comprising a cart (36)... motorized rolls (41, 42) arranged transversally with respect to the axis Y
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of object packaging, such as, for example, bottles or other containers. Particularly, the invention relates to a sheet separator machine for cartons for packaging from a warehouse, typically a well warehouse, in which the cartons are stacked. Particularly, the present invention relates to a machine (1) for separating sheets of cartons (C), comprising a frame (2) on which a handling station (3) of the cartons (C), a warehouse (4) for at least one stack of cartons (C), and a gripping station (5) of the cartons (C), are mounted, in an operatively contiguous position, in which the gripping station (5) comprises a pair of counter-rotating motorized rolls (41, 42), suitable to withdraw a carton from said at least one stack of cartons (C).