Container Handling Device for Compact Filling Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods and devices for filling containers, such as cardboard boxes, are complex and require significant space, which is a disadvantage in terms of efficiency and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that minimizes space requirements by using carton grippers to pivot and position containers for filling, where products are fed individually and grouped on a conveyor system, allowing for efficient filling and closure of containers, with conveyors arranged in a narrow, elongated orientation and on different horizontal levels to optimize space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional filling devices are used, then filling function is achieved, but space requirement increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (container feeding, positioning, filling, and closing) into a single integrated handling device. The handling device receives containers from the first conveyor, positions them, fills them with products from the third conveyor, and transfers them to the second conveyor for closing. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate devices needed, thereby reducing overall space requirements and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a receiver for empty containers, a positioning mechanism using pivoting motion, a filling station, and a transfer mechanism for filled containers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each operation, reducing both space occupation and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If conveyors are arranged in narrow elongated orientation on different horizontal levels, then space footprint is reduced, but handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by arranging conveyors on different horizontal levels. The first conveyor feeds containers to the handling device from one level, while the second conveyor receives filled containers at another level. This vertical arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint of the system while maintaining efficient material flow through the handling device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device employs dynamic pivoting motion to rotate containers into the correct orientation for filling and then back to the original position. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the same device to handle containers in multiple orientations without requiring separate fixed positioning structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-level conveyor arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3330195B1Device and method for filling a container with products
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3330195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3330195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330195B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for filling a container (11), in particular a carton, with products (10), in particular packages, wherein the products (10) are successively introduced into the container (11) and placed in an ordered formation, and wherein the container (11) is held ready for filling with products (10) by a handling device (13), and wherein the containers (10) are fed to the handling device (13) by means of a first conveyor (12), and wherein the filled containers (11) are subsequently transported away from the handling device (13) by means of a second conveyor (18), and wherein the products (10) are fed to the handling device (13) by means of a third conveyor (19).According to the invention, the product flow in the area of ​​the conveyors (12, 18, 19) is provided by appropriate arrangement and alignment of the same in a substantially common vertical plane or in vertical planes parallel to each other.