Cartoner Pivoting Plate Flap Recentering Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartoning systems face issues with flap deformation in cases made of thin materials, leading to misalignment and potential damage during the closing process due to friction, which complicates the insertion of end flaps.

Innovation Solution

A cartoning system with a pivoting plate that performs a first rotational movement in one direction and a second movement in the opposite direction, allowing the flap to be recentered relative to the case walls, using a motor with a direct coupling system and a brushless synchronous motor for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional cartoning system uses a single-direction rotational movement to fold flaps, then the folding operation is simple, but the flaps become misaligned and deformed due to friction, leading to potential damage and insertion difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflap alignment precisionVSAvoidmovement sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational movement is segmented into two distinct phases: a first rotational movement to fold the flap against the side flaps, and a second rotational movement in the opposite direction to recenter the end flap. This segmentation allows each movement to serve a specific function, ensuring both folding and recentering are achieved without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic alternating rotational movements (forward and backward) to achieve flap folding and recentering. This periodic action pattern enables the flap to be first folded into position and then recentered through the reverse movement, preventing deformation while maintaining a relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of substance

If the cartoning system uses thin material cases, then material usage is efficient and cost-effective, but friction during flap folding causes deformation and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial efficiencyVSAvoidflap closure reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary recentering action through the second rotational movement before the final flap insertion. This preliminary recentering ensures the end flap is properly positioned and aligned, preventing deformation that would otherwise occur during the closing operation with thin material cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second rotational movement in the opposite direction acts as a preliminary anti-action to counteract the friction-induced deformation and misalignment that occurs during the first folding movement. This counter-movement prevents the harmful effects of friction on thin material cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3495132B1Cartoner for recentring flaps of cartons and method for operating said cartoner
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 CONSTR MACHINES AUTOMATIQUES SPECIALES
  • EP3495132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3495132B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7B
  • EP3495132B1 patent drawingFigure 8A~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a cartoning machine which includes a pivoting platform or a conveyor which supports the cartons and which, in order to move from one station to another, makes a first movement (52), in a first direction, of a given value increased by a value Δ, then a second movement (54), in a second direction opposite to the first direction, of the value Δ, Δ being a number strictly greater than 0. This configuration makes it possible to recenter the flap with respect to the walls forming the tube of the carton.