Cork Stoppers Assembly for Compact Packaging Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging methods for cork stoppers result in disorganized stacks, leading to increased storage and transport costs due to inefficient use of packaging volume, as existing devices pack cork stoppers in bulk without allowing for orderly grouping.
Innovation Solution
An assembly and process for organizing cork stoppers using a platform with movable receiving and positioning plates, a retaining organ, and a suction system to form compact blocks, allowing for efficient packing and reducing storage and transport costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cork stoppers are packed in bulk without organization, then the packaging process is simple, but the packaging volume increases and storage/transport costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging process is segmented into distinct operational zones (receiving zone, transporting zone, packing zone) with specialized mechanisms for each. Cork stoppers are organized in stacks using guide walls and positioning plates before being packed, rather than being dumped in bulk. This segmentation enables orderly arrangement while maintaining automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Cork stoppers are pre-organized into stacks using guide walls and positioning plates before the actual packaging operation. The receiving plates and edging mechanisms prepare the stoppers in an ordered arrangement in advance, so that when packaging occurs, the stoppers are already arranged efficiently, reducing the final packaging volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual counting and packaging methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated packaging device incorporates multiple functional mechanisms that can handle various cork stopper sizes and packaging requirements through adjustable components. The guide walls, receiving plates, and positioning mechanisms are designed to accommodate different stack configurations, providing both automation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses guide walls and positioning plates that automatically guide cork stoppers into proper stacks without manual intervention. The edging mechanisms and retaining organs self-adjust to maintain orderly arrangements throughout the packaging process, eliminating the need for manual counting and arrangement while maintaining process flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated packaging devices are used, then productivity increases, but the cork stoppers are packed in disorganized manner increasing volume
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging mechanism uses nested structures where guide walls are positioned within the packaging chamber, receiving plates move within defined spaces, and edging mechanisms are integrated into the overall structure. This nested arrangement allows organized stacking of cork stoppers in compact configurations that maximize space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system organizes cork stoppers by creating three-dimensional stacked arrangements using vertical guide walls and horizontal positioning plates. The edging mechanisms operate in multiple dimensions to ensure proper alignment, transforming the disorganized bulk packing into structured multi-dimensional stacks that reduce overall packaging volume.
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 enables a significant reduction in packaging volume, achieving a 30% gain in available space, thereby lowering storage and transport costs while maintaining the preservation quality of cork stoppers.
Implementation Method 1
an organ for receiving and transporting stacks of cork stoppers, the organ comprising a first receiving plate for receiving stacks of cork stoppers, the first plate being movable relative to the plane (P)
Data Source
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2~1.3
Figure 2.1
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (1) for organising stacks of cork stoppers and a process for organising stacks of cork stoppers carried out by said assembly (1). The invention further relates to a machine comprising said assembly (1) for organising stacks of cork stoppers. The stacks of cork stoppers are disposed in an organised way to facilitate and optimize their packaging, reducing the packaging volume and facilitating their transport. The present invention applies to field of cork industry and cork stopper production.