Container Bundling via Adhesive Bonding and Mechanical Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing bundles of containers, such as using shrink films or strapping, are costly and inefficient, and can lead to containers slipping during transport due to nesting, with cohesion lost when removing items from the bundle.

Innovation Solution

A device with an alignment section and a partitioning/compressing unit that uses infinitely revolving single-station conveyor elements and adhesive agents to align and bond containers without films or strapping, maintaining cohesion even after removal of items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If shrink films are used to bundle containers, then the containers are held together firmly, but the cost increases due to film expense and energy consumption for shrinking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebundle cohesionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the shrink film component entirely from the bundling system, extracting only the essential function of holding containers together through alternative means (mechanical interlocking and adhesive agents applied to specific containers), thereby eliminating film expense and shrinking energy consumption while maintaining bundle cohesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical shrinking process with a purely mechanical bundling system using controllable conveyor elements that rotate containers into specific positions for interlocking, substituting energy-intensive thermal contraction with mechanical positioning and adhesive bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If strapping is used to bundle containers, then the cost is reduced and simplicity is improved, but the cohesion is lost when containers are removed from the bundle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebundling simplicityVSAvoidbundle cohesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the bundling function into segments: specific containers within the bundle are marked with adhesive agents at specific locations, creating localized bonding zones. When one container is removed, the adhesive bonds on adjacent containers maintain the structural integrity and cohesion of the remaining bundle, preventing complete disintegration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces adhesive agents as intermediary substances applied to specific containers, which mediate the bonding between containers. This creates selective adhesion points that maintain bundle cohesion while allowing individual removal, bridging the gap between simple strapping and strong film bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high tension is applied to strapping to prevent nesting during transport, then the containers remain aligned, but the device complexity and force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer alignmentVSAvoidstrapping tension

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies adhesive agents to specific containers in advance during the bundling process, creating pre-established bonding zones. This preliminary action ensures containers remain aligned and bonded during transport without requiring high continuous tension forces on strapping, as the adhesive bonds maintain positional stability proactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bonding parameter from continuous mechanical tension (strapping) to localized adhesive bonding at specific points and orientations. This parameter change allows alignment maintenance through chemical adhesion rather than mechanical tension, reducing the force requirements while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for efficient, cost-effective production of bundles where containers remain aligned and bonded during transport, reducing waste and resource usage, and maintaining cohesion without films or strapping.

Implementation Method 1

application elements by way of which an adhesive agent can be applied on at least one contact surface of at least one container of the subsequent bundle of containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9174808B2Device and method for forming packaging units

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 KHS GMBH

AI summary

A container-bundler includes a transporter having an alignment section with infinitely revolving single-station conveyor elements drivable in the transport direction with a controllable rotation element. An actuatable adjustment element is arranged in an alignment section. The controllable rotation element interacts with the adjustment element. A partitioning and/or compressing unit is downstream of the alignment section.