Container Forming Machine With Reinforcement Panel Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-speed container-forming machines are unable to efficiently process blanks with a reinforcement panel due to accommodation challenges, limiting their ability to form containers with increased strength and tighter manufacturing tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A machine and method that include a mandrel, first and second presser arms, and a folding arm to wrap a blank around the mandrel, specifically accommodating a reinforcement panel by positioning it for wrapping and using a glue panel folder assembly to avoid interference, enabling high-speed processing and efficient formation of containers with enhanced structural strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing high-speed container-forming machines are used to process blanks with reinforcement panels, then manufacturing speed and productivity are maintained, but the machines cannot accommodate the reinforcement panel structure leading to formation failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process blanks with reinforcement panelsVSAvoidhigh-speed processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine employs dynamic, adjustable presser arms that can move between different positions to accommodate the reinforcement panel structure. The presser arms are configured to apply pressure at specific locations during wrapping, enabling the machine to adapt to blanks with reinforcement panels while maintaining high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blank is divided into distinct functional sections including the reinforcement panel, side panels, end panels, and glue panels. The machine processes these segments separately with specialized mechanisms for each, allowing the reinforcement panel to be accommodated without interfering with the overall high-speed forming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If traditional container-forming methods are used without reinforcement panels, then the forming process is simple and fast, but the container strength and structural integrity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structural strengthVSAvoidmachine complexity for accommodating reinforcement panels

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine uses intermediary components such as glue panels and tab portions that facilitate the integration of the reinforcement panel into the container structure. These intermediaries enable the reinforcement panel to be properly positioned and secured without requiring complex specialized mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement panel is pre-configured in the blank with predetermined fold lines and attachment points before the forming process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the panel to be automatically integrated into the container structure during high-speed forming without adding significant complexity to the machine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the reinforcement panel is accommodated in the blank, then container strength is increased, but the blank wrapping process becomes more difficult due to interference with presser arms and folding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer wall strengthVSAvoidease of blank wrapping process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The presser arms and folding mechanisms are designed with localized functionality, applying pressure and creating folds only at specific locations away from the reinforcement panel. This localised action allows the reinforcement panel to remain undisturbed during the wrapping process while still achieving proper container formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The machine resolves interference issues by operating in multiple dimensions and sequences. The presser arms and folding mechanisms are timed and positioned to work in different spatial and temporal dimensions, allowing the reinforcement panel to be accommodated without direct interference from any single mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11628643B2Methods and a machine for forming a shelf-ready shipper display system

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.