Customized Fibre-Deposited Boxes for E-Commerce Packaging Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated packaging systems for consumer products in e-commerce are inflexible, leading to inefficient use of materials and increased waste due to oversized packaging, which negatively impacts sustainability and shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system that uses an electronic control unit to select customized box designs based on product information, forming boxes with a fibre deposition apparatus, and assembling them with a robot to minimize material use and optimize transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard-sized cardboard boxes are used for packaging, then packaging simplicity is maintained, but transport efficiency deteriorates due to oversized packaging and empty spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts box dimensions based on real-time product measurements and order requirements. The electronic control unit receives product information, calculates optimal box dimensions, and controls the box forming apparatus to create customized sizes, transforming static standard boxes into dynamic adaptive packaging
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of box dimensions from fixed standard sizes to variable customized sizes. The system modifies length, width, and height parameters based on product volume and shape, enabling precise fit and eliminating empty spaces while maintaining packaging simplicity through automated control
2Device complexity
If standard-sized boxes are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but packaging material waste increases due to oversized boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of products and self-calculation of optimal box dimensions. The electronic control unit automatically receives product information, computes the required box size, and controls the forming apparatus without human intervention, making the complex customization process self-service and eliminating material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual measurement and box selection with an automated electronic control system. Sensors and control units substitute human operations, automatically determining optimal box dimensions and controlling the forming process, reducing manufacturing complexity while eliminating packaging waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual depalletizing and box forming processes are used, then flexibility is increased, but labor requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and calculation of box dimensions before the actual box forming process. Product dimensions are measured in advance, optimal box size is calculated, and the forming apparatus is pre-configured, enabling rapid automated execution without sacrificing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Manual depalletizing and box forming operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems. Robots or automated conveyors handle depalletizing, while the electronic control unit controls the box forming apparatus, maintaining process flexibility through programmable control while dramatically increasing processing speed and reducing labor
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 achieves flexible packaging that reduces waste and improves transport efficiency by adapting box dimensions to product size, allowing for customer-specific designs and reducing manpower needs.
Implementation Method 1
forming boxes with a fibre deposition apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for packaging products, wherein customized boxes are produced using a fibre deposition apparatus based on product information on products or product groups to be packaged.