Container Forming and Tag Application for Uniform Manufacturer Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container forming machines face issues with uniformity and reliability of manufacturer joints due to panel lifting away from the mandrel, and existing tag application systems are inefficient, costly, and disruptive to high-speed container assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a curvilinear motion glue panel folder assembly and integrated identification tag applicator that applies tags during container assembly, ensuring uniform joints and adaptable tag application across multiple product lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If linearly actuated folder arms and presser arms are used to form manufacturer joints, then the container forming process can be automated, but the uniformity and reliability of manufacturer joints deteriorate due to panel lifting away from the mandrel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of container forming processVSAvoiduniformity and reliability of manufacturer joints

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvilinear motion to the folder arm instead of linear motion, allowing the folder arm to follow a curved path that maintains continuous contact with the panel against the mandrel during folding, preventing panel lift-off and improving joint uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static linear actuation to dynamic curvilinear actuation, where the folder arm's motion path adapts to the changing geometry of the folding process, maintaining optimal contact pressure throughout the operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If tag application systems are used separately from the container assembly machine, then tag application can be performed, but throughput is reduced and material cost increases due to scrappage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag application capabilityVSAvoidcontainer assembly throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the tag applicator directly into the container forming machine, combining two previously separate processes (container forming and tag application) into a single integrated system that operates simultaneously without disrupting throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously - forming containers and applying tags - allowing the same equipment to handle both operations that were previously requiring separate dedicated machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If identification tags are applied to blanks prior to assembly, then tags can be applied early in the process, but alignment is disrupted and containers must be discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming of tag applicationVSAvoidalignment of blank during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies tags to the blank before assembly in a controlled manner, performing the tag application action in advance but using precision positioning to ensure the tag applicator does not disrupt the blank's alignment during the forming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If existing tag application systems are used, then tags can be applied to containers, but the systems are costly and can only serve one particular product line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag application functionalityVSAvoidproduct line adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated tag applicator is designed to accommodate multiple product lines and tag types through programmable positioning and adaptable application mechanisms, replacing dedicated single-function taggers with a versatile multi-functional system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260042271A1Methods and machine for forming a container from a blank and applying an identification tag

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A system for applying identification tags to a blank of sheet material that forms a container for a product, for creating a digital twin. The system includes a machine for forming the container from the blank. The machine includes a frame, and an identification tag applicator mounted to the frame and configured to apply a first identification tag to the blank. The first identification tag has a unique tag identifier associated therewith and is configured to communicate with a second identification tag. The first identification tag contains a unique product identifier associated with the product assigned to the container and is linked with the second identification tag using the unique tag identifier associated with the first identification tag. The second identification tag is linked with the product via the unique product identifier associated with the product creating said digital twin including a representation of the product and having product attributes.