Duplex Assembler for C- and U-Shaped Profiles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated packaging lines for C- and U-shaped profiles lack duplex packaging capabilities, resulting in inefficient use of space and slower packaging speeds due to complex mechanisms and excessive parts.

Innovation Solution

An automated packaging line that uses a duplex assembler with rotating blades and an inclined plane to form pairs of profiles with concave sides facing each other, combined with a bundle assembler for efficient stacking and strapping, reducing the number of parts and increasing packaging speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional single-profile packaging is used, then packaging simplicity is maintained, but packaging space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging space efficiencyVSAvoidpackaging mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing one profile inside another to form duplex packages. Two C- or U-shaped profiles are nested with their concave sides facing each other, creating a compact packaged unit that reduces space occupation while maintaining structural integrity during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two separate profile packaging operations into a single duplex packaging unit. By combining two profiles into one packaged unit with concave sides facing each other, the system doubles packaging efficiency without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex packaging mechanisms are used, then packaging functionality is improved, but packaging speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging capabilityVSAvoidpackaging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: a pickup device for retrieving profiles, a positioning device for orienting profiles with concave sides facing each other, and a transfer device for moving completed duplex packages. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently without the complexity slowing down the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation of profiles before final packaging. The positioning device pre-arranges profiles in the correct orientation (concave sides facing each other) before transfer, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during the packaging process and thereby maintaining high speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 higher packaging speeds and reduced part complexity, achieving efficient packaging of C- and U-shaped profiles with duplex formation and modular assembly, suitable for various materials and profile lengths.

Implementation Method 1

When the profiles are moved by the pivoting kickers, the profiles travel along the inclined plane via gravitational force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10138014B2Automated packaging line for C- and U-shaped profiles
Publication Date: 2018.11.27 THE BRADBURY COMPANY INC
  • US10138014B2 patent drawing
  • US10138014B2 patent drawing
  • US10138014B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automated packaging line for C- or U-shaped profiles are related methods are disclosed. An example method includes transferring a first profile and a second profile to a first location, each of the first and second profiles having a u-shaped or c-shaped cross-section defining an external convex side and an internal concave side. The example method also includes rotating a first blade and a second blade about a horizontal central axis, where the first blade and the second blade are coupled to opposite ends of a pair of rotor arms including a first rotor arm and a second rotor arm. The first and second rotor arms rotate about axes that are parallel to and offset from each other. The example method also includes inserting the first profile into the first blade with the internal concave side of the first profile facing upwards as the first blade moves upward through its rotation. In addition, the example method includes rotating the second profile by engaging the first blade with the external convex side of the second profile to position the second profile with the internal concave side of the second profile facing downwards over of the internal concave side of the first profile to form a first duplex within the first blade.