Compressed Stack Loading Into Carton Sleeves Without Air Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging processes for compressible articles like gloves and socks fail to eliminate air pockets, leading to improper loading and potential crumpling of stacks, resulting in loss of articles or damage to packaging.
Innovation Solution
A packing apparatus with a carrier unit and arm unit, comprising a hoister and hemming unit, compresses the stack of articles to fit snugly into an open-ended carton sleeve, minimizing air pockets and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compressible articles are arranged into a stack without compression, then the stacking process is simple and fast, but air pockets form between articles causing the stack to bloat and articles to fall off or crumple packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary compression to the stack of compressible articles before loading into packaging. The compression unit compresses the stack in a preliminary action to remove air pockets and compact the articles, ensuring the stack maintains its shape and quantity during subsequent handling and loading operations.
2Reliability
If the stack is compressed to remove air pockets, then the stack maintains its shape and quantity, but additional compression equipment and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compression function into the existing packaging system by integrating a compression unit that works in conjunction with the stacker and loader components. This combining of functions reduces overall system complexity while ensuring reliable stack compression to maintain integrity during loading.
3Productivity
If the stack is loaded without sufficient compression, then the loading process is fast, but the packaging may be crumpled or articles may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit performs preliminary compression of the stack before loading into packaging. This preliminary action ensures the stack is compact and stable, preventing packaging crumpling and article loss during the loading process, while the integrated design maintains efficient loading speeds.
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
The apparatus ensures the stack is loaded without air pockets, maintaining article quantity and packaging integrity, preventing loss or damage during the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
The compressing means is further adapted to compress the stack for sizing it sufficiently so that the stack is loaded into the packaging together with the compressing means
Data Source
AI summary
A packing apparatus and its corresponding method for loading articles, having been arranged into a stack (4), into a packaging (5). The apparatus includes a carrying means (11) for carrying the stack (4), and a compressing means (12) for collecting the stack (4) from the carrying means (11) and transferring the stack (4) into the packaging (5) through an open end of the packaging (5). The compressing means (12) is further adapted to compress the stack (4) for sizing it sufficiently, so that the stack (4) is loaded into the packaging (5) together with the compressing means (12).