Driverless Blank Transport for Automated Packaging Restocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices require manual intervention to replenish stacks of planar packaging blanks, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A transport device comprising a driverless transport vehicle (DTV) equipped with an adapter that can autonomously carry and position stacks of planar packaging blanks, utilizing GPS, laser navigation, or inductive guidance, and interact with a packaging system to facilitate easy and efficient restocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used to replenish stacks of planar packaging blanks, then the packaging device can be supplied with new blanks, but personnel effort and time expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestocking efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual restocking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is designed to autonomously transport stacks of packaging blanks from the blank supply to the packaging device without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by automatically identifying when blanks are needed and delivering new stacks, eliminating the need for personnel to manually restock the packaging device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of personnel physically carrying and placing stacks with an automated transport device. This device uses mechanical conveyance mechanisms to automatically move blanks from the supply area to the packaging device, substituting human labor with automated mechanical transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If new stacks of planar packaging blanks are manually introduced into the packaging device, then the device can continue operating, but personnel effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of blank replacementVSAvoidautomation of restocking process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is designed to automatically monitor its own blank supply status and trigger the transport device to replenish blanks when needed. The system serves itself by automatically initiating the restocking process without requiring personnel to monitor or manually intervene in the blank replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device acts as an intermediary between the blank supply and the packaging device. It automatically mediates the transfer of blanks, taking them from the supply area and delivering them to the packaging device when needed, eliminating the need for personnel to directly handle the blank replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual restocking is performed, then packaging blanks can be supplied to the device, but time expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging blank supply rateVSAvoidcomplexity of transport system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device serves as an intermediary system that automatically manages the supply of packaging blanks. It handles the complexity of monitoring blank levels, navigating to the packaging device, and performing the transfer operation, thereby maintaining high productivity without requiring personnel involvement in these complex restocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260021921A1Transport device for planar packaging blanks, packaging system having a packaging device for planar packaging blanks and method for operating the packaging system

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 KRONES AG

AI summary

A transport device (1) for planar packaging blanks is disclosed. The transport device (1) comprises at least one driverless transport vehicle (7) and at least one adapter (3). The at least one driverless transport vehicle (7) is designed to carry the at least one adapter (3). Furthermore, the at least one adapter (3) is designed to hold at least one stack (5) of planar packaging blanks.