Container Packing Unit With Vibration-Assisted Article Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container packing systems fail to efficiently utilize space within containers by allowing for optimal settling of articles, leading to inefficiencies in packing density.
Innovation Solution
A container-packing system with an agitator and motion-control system that vibrates and stabilizes containers during loading, ensuring articles settle and maximize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If articles are simply loaded into containers without agitation, then the loading process is quick and simple, but the packing density is low and empty space remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an agitator that vibrates the container during the loading process. This vibration causes articles to settle into tighter arrangements, maximizing space utilization and increasing packing density without requiring complex additional systems
2Quantity of substance
If an agitator is added to settle articles during loading, then packing density improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the agitator function with the container structure itself, making the container serve dual purposes: holding articles and receiving vibration to settle them. This integration reduces overall system complexity while achieving improved packing density
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator provides mechanical vibration directly to the container, causing articles to settle into denser configurations. This straightforward vibration mechanism achieves high packing density without requiring complex control systems or multiple separate components
3Quantity of substance
If the container is allowed to move freely during loading, then the loading process is simpler, but article settling is less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control system pre-positions the container in an optimal location and orientation before the agitator activates. This preliminary positioning ensures that when vibration occurs, articles settle effectively without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the loading process
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 system enhances packing density by minimizing empty space within containers, allowing more articles to be packed efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The agitator is coupled to the foundation and is configured to impart vibrations on at least a portion of the foundation and the container as the container is filled with the articles to cause the articles to settle within the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container-packing system includes container-packing unit configured to facilitate loading of articles in a container at a loading station. The container-packing system further includes an article conveyor configured to transport articles to the loading station and a container conveyor configured to transport an empty container to and away from the loading station. The container-packing unit is located at the loading station and is configured to facilitate filling of the container with the articles.