Cartoning Machine Gripping Mechanism for Blank Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical cartoning machines have limited productivity and complex control systems due to the orientation of blanks in the magazine, leading to issues with blank positioning and interference between gripping elements, resulting in increased carton rejection and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gripping arrangement that rotates around a horizontal axis, moving along a closed loop transfer path to remove and deliver blanks from a planar to a tridimensional configuration without interfering with the pusher device's path, using suction cups and a motion transmitting device to ensure precise and efficient blank handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blanks are stored in an erect position in the magazine, then the operating group does not need to rotate the blank, but the control system becomes more complex and blank positioning is less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by storing blanks in a lying-down position rather than erect position, and rotating them 90 degrees during transfer. This inversion resolves the contradiction by simplifying the magazine structure and blank storage while maintaining reliable positioning through the rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blank orientation change during the transfer process. The blank is stored horizontally in the magazine, then rotated 90 degrees to vertical position during transfer to the conveying system, allowing the system to adapt between different orientations as needed.
2Reliability
If the gripping arrangement follows a complex path to avoid interference, then the structure is more reliable, but the cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by changing the dimensional approach of the transfer path. The gripping arrangement moves along a closed loop path in a different spatial dimension, allowing it to avoid interference with the pusher device while maintaining a relatively short and efficient transfer path that does not significantly increase cycle time.
3Device complexity
If the gripping arrangement moves along a linear path, then the transfer is simpler, but it interferes with the pusher device's path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transfer path into a closed loop configuration with distinct segments. The gripping arrangement follows a segmented path that includes approach, transfer, and return portions, allowing it to navigate around the pusher device's linear path and avoid interference while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
This solution enhances the productivity of vertical cartoning machines by allowing continuous operation without waiting for other elements, reducing downtime, and simplifying the machine's structure while maintaining reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A gripping arrangement (3) that rotates around a horizontal axis, moving along a closed loop transfer path to remove and deliver blanks from a planar to a tridimensional configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An operating group for a cartoning machine is arranged to move a blank that is intended to form a carton adapted to contain one or more products, and includes a magazine suitable for housing a plurality of blanks folded in a planar manner; gripping arrangement that is configured for retaining the blank and is movable at least between a removing position in which the gripping arrangement removes the blank arranged in the magazine in a planar configuration, which is horizontal, and a delivery position in which the gripping arrangement delivers the blank arranged in a tridimensional unfolded configuration, which is vertical with respect to the planar configuration; in which the gripping arrangement is rotated around a rotation axis such as to travel along a closed loop path; the removing position from the magazine being arranged above the closed loop transfer path travelled by the gripping arrangement, such that the gripping arrangement can remove directly from the magazine said blank in the horizontal folded planar configuration.