Dual-Assembly Cushioning Material Production Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushioning material production machines lack flexibility in producing different types of cushioning materials, limiting their adaptability to specific packaging scenarios and increasing costs due to the need for multiple machines.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a frame supporting two separate supply and transformation assemblies, allowing the production of two distinct cushioning materials from different web-type feed materials, with autonomous operation and shared control systems to enhance flexibility and reduce costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single machine produces only one type of cushioning material, then the machine structure is simple and easy to operate, but the adaptability to different packaging scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to packaging scenariosVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is designed with two independent supply assemblies and two independent transformation assemblies, allowing it to produce two different types of cushioning materials simultaneously. This multi-functional design enables the machine to adapt to various packaging scenarios by selecting the appropriate material type, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine structure is segmented into independent supply assemblies and transformation assemblies, where each assembly can be independently configured and operated. This segmentation allows the machine to handle different material types without requiring complete redesign, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machines are used to produce different cushioning materials, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall cost increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidcost and space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple separate cushioning material production machines into a single integrated machine. By combining two supply assemblies and two transformation assemblies under one frame and control system, it achieves the production flexibility of multiple machines while reducing overall cost and space requirements, directly addressing the contradiction between production flexibility and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified machine structure provides multi-functionality by enabling the production of different cushioning material types within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and thereby reducing both capital investment and operational costs while maintaining production flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If a single machine produces multiple types of cushioning material, then the output and flexibility increase, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning material outputVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, allowing selective activation of different supply and transformation assemblies based on production requirements. This dynamic control capability enables the machine to adjust its operation mode to produce different cushioning material types, increasing productivity while managing control complexity through flexible, demand-driven operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into independent control units for each supply assembly and transformation assembly, allowing each module to be controlled independently. This segmentation simplifies the overall control architecture by breaking down complex multi-material production control into manageable independent control tasks, thereby enabling high productivity without proportionally increasing control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the production of multiple types of cushioning materials on a single machine, increasing adaptability and output while reducing costs by allowing selection of the best-suited material for specific packaging scenarios and enabling efficient operation by a single user or multiple users.

Implementation Method 1

The first transformation assembly comprises at least a first inflation assembly for inflating the chambers within the first web-type feed material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas inflation: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentEP3758927B1Machine and method for producing cushioning material
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 STOROPACK HANS REICHENECKER GMBH & CO
  • EP3758927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3758927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3758927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine (10) for producing cushioning material (36, 81) comprises: a frame (12); at least a first supply assembly (14) preferably mounted on said frame (12), the first supply assembly (14) comprising and supplying a first web-type feed material (22); and at least a first transformation assembly (34) mounted on said frame (12) which transforms the first web-type feed material (22) into a first cushioning material (36). It is suggested that it further comprises: at least a second supply assembly (54) preferably mounted on said frame (12), the second supply assembly (54) comprising and supplying a second web-type feed material (62); and at least a second transformation assembly (70) mounted on said frame (12) which transforms the second web-type feed material (62) into a second cushioning material (81). The first web-type feed material is different than the second web-type feed material.