Compact Cardboard Box Assembling Machine with Removable Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for assembling cardboard boxes occupy large volumes, making them inefficient for transportation and requiring more space than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A compact machine design that includes a frame housing the assembly device and a removable feeder device, allowing for easy transportation and adaptation to different cardboard sheet dimensions, with automated sheet insertion using a drag chain and encoder for efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional machines for assembling cardboard boxes are used, then the assembly function is performed, but the machine occupies large volume making transportation inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two main segments: a compact assembly device and a separate feeder device. The assembly device contains the essential components (mold, male element, frame) while the feeder device can be removed independently. This segmentation allows the assembly device to be transported in a compact form, reducing volume while maintaining assembly functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device is extracted as a removable component from the assembly device. By taking out the feeder device during transportation, only the essential assembly components are transported, significantly reducing the overall machine volume while maintaining the core assembly function.
2Ease of operation
If the feeder device is made removable for easier transportation, then transportation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into modular components (assembly device and feeder device) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation simplifies transportation by allowing easy removal of the feeder device while maintaining operational complexity only when needed for assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device is designed with dynamic connectivity, allowing it to be attached or detached from the assembly device based on operational needs. During assembly operations, the feeder device is attached to provide automated sheet feeding. During transportation, it can be detached, providing flexibility between operational complexity and transportation simplicity.
3Volume of moving object
If the frame is designed to house all components compactly, then machine volume is reduced, but adaptability to different cardboard sheet dimensions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device incorporates adjustable components that can be reconfigured to accommodate different cardboard sheet dimensions. The drag chain and pusher mechanism can be adjusted to handle varying sheet lengths and widths, maintaining adaptability while the compact frame minimizes volume during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device is designed with universal adjustment capabilities that allow it to handle multiple cardboard sheet dimensions through a single device. The adjustable drag chain and pusher mechanism can adapt to different sheet sizes, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Productivity
If automated pushing means are added to the feeder device, then assembly productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device incorporates automated pushing means with a drag chain and pusher mechanism that automatically feeds and positions cardboard sheets without manual intervention. The system uses its own motor-driven drag chain to propel sheets through the assembly device, improving productivity while the automation is integrated into a modular design that limits complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual sheet feeding operations are replaced with an automated mechanical pusher system driven by a motor and drag chain. This substitution eliminates manual labor while the mechanical system is designed to be compact and modular, limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite adding automation functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine for assembling cardboard boxes, including a device for feeding sheets of cardboard that are used to form the boxes in a forming station comprising an assembly device including a mold and a male element that descends by means of a vertical linear actuator, in order to form the box inside the mold, co-operating with the latter. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a frame (33) having a hollow surrounding structure that supports the feeder device which is removably connected to the frame (33) in a cantilevered manner.