Case-Handling Flap Openers for Outward Folding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing case-handling systems face challenges in efficiently opening the upper major flaps of cases before closing the upper minor flaps, which can lead to deformation or destruction of the case, jamming in the system, and inadequate sealing.

Innovation Solution

A case-handling system equipped with movable flap openers that position relative to the case and operate to fold the upper major flaps outwardly before the upper minor flaps are folded inwardly and closed, utilizing a conveyor, rotatable flap openers, actuators, and a controller to coordinate the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the upper major flaps are folded inwardly before the upper minor flaps are folded inwardly, then the case can be closed more efficiently, but it causes deformation or destruction of the case, jamming in the system, and inadequate sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase closing efficiencyVSAvoidcase integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by folding the upper major flaps outwardly before the upper minor flaps are folded inwardly. This preliminary outward folding creates necessary clearance and prevents interference between the flaps during the closing operation, thereby maintaining case integrity while enabling efficient closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of folding the upper major flaps inwardly directly (the conventional approach), the system inverts the sequence by first folding them outwardly. This reverse action resolves the interference problem that would otherwise cause case deformation and jamming, allowing the subsequent inward folding of minor flaps to proceed smoothly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the upper major flaps are folded inwardly at the same time as upper minor flaps, then the closing process is simplified, but it results in case jamming and inadequate sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing process complexityVSAvoidsealing adequacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: first folding the upper major flaps outwardly, then folding the upper minor flaps inwardly, and finally sealing. This segmentation prevents simultaneous conflicting actions that would cause jamming, ensuring adequate sealing while maintaining manageable process complexity through clear stepwise operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the upper major flaps are not folded outwardly before closing, then the system operates faster, but it causes case deformation and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation speedVSAvoidcase deformation and jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a rapid outward folding action for the upper major flaps that quickly creates the necessary clearance before proceeding to the minor flap folding. This rushed-through preliminary action minimizes the time the system spends in a potentially jammed state while still achieving the critical geometric configuration needed to prevent deformation and ensure smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS12330827B2Case-handling system with flap openers

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SIGNODE IND GROUP LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a case-handling system including movable flap openers positionable relative to a case and operable to fold the upper major flaps of the case outwardly before the upper minor flaps of the case are folded inwardly and closed.