Dynamic Carton Carrier Sidewall Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cartoning systems with fixed sidewalls struggle to accommodate different carton sizes and shapes, requiring separate equipment or significant downtime for retooling, and fail to provide adequate restraint during various cartoning processes such as vibrating or closing lids.
Innovation Solution
A product cartoning system featuring dynamic carton carriers with adjustable sidewalls and variable width capabilities, allowing for single-setting adjustments to accommodate various carton sizes and shapes, using a cam and cam follower mechanism for dynamic adjustment and servo interconnect for width variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed sidewalls are used in traditional carton carriers, then the structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot accommodate different carton sizes and shapes without requiring separate equipment or significant retooling downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the carton carrier sidewalls movable rather than fixed. The sidewalls are equipped with actuating mechanisms that allow them to move between extended and retracted positions, enabling the carrier to dynamically adapt its width to accommodate different carton sizes and shapes during the cartoning process, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the width parameter of the carton carrier through movable sidewalls. The sidewalls can be adjusted to different positions, changing the carrier's dimensional parameters to match different carton specifications, thus enabling versatile accommodation of various carton sizes without requiring separate fixed-structure equipment for each size
2Productivity
If fixed sidewalls are used in carton carriers, then the device structure is simple, but significant downtime is required for retooling between different carton sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sidewall mechanism allows the carton carrier to be quickly reconfigured between different carton sizes without requiring complete retooling or line shutdown. The actuating mechanisms enable rapid adjustment of sidewall positions, maintaining production line continuity and eliminating the significant downtime associated with traditional fixed-structure retooling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sidewall system enables the carton carrier to self-adjust to different carton configurations through automated or manually-operated actuating mechanisms, eliminating the need for extensive manual retooling operations and reducing productivity loss during size transitions
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed width carton carriers are used, then the carrier structure is stable, but separate cartoning lines are required for different product sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single carton carrier structure that can perform multiple functions across different product sizes. The variable width capability, achieved through movable sidewalls with actuating mechanisms, allows one cartoning line to handle multiple carton sizes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lines for different product dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the sidewalls enables the single cartoning line to adapt its configuration for different product sizes, providing multi-size capability without requiring multiple fixed-structure lines. The actuating mechanisms allow the carrier to transition between different width configurations to accommodate various carton specifications
4Reliability
If fixed sidewalls are used, then the carton carrier is easy to operate, but adequate restraint cannot be provided during various cartoning processes such as vibrating or closing lids
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sidewall system provides reliable carton restraint control by allowing the sidewalls to move to appropriate positions during different cartoning processes. The actuating mechanisms enable the sidewalls to extend and provide firm restraint during operations requiring stability, while also allowing controlled movement during processes needing flexibility, thus achieving reliable restraint control that fixed sidewalls cannot provide
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 efficient handling and processing of different carton sizes and shapes on the same line, reducing downtime and equipment costs, while providing controlled restraint during cartoning steps and flexibility during product conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
The first sidewall may be movable relative to the second sidewall by a sidewall cam and a cam follower to dynamically adjust at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall
Implementation Method 2
The product cartoning system may further include at least a third dynamic sidewall, a vibratory mechanism along at least a portion of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a product cartoning system having dynamic carton carriers that may restrain or not restrain the package during different steps of the cartoning process. Certain steps such as vibrating may benefit from open carton carriers while other steps such as closing a side of the carton may benefit from closed carton carriers. This invention also relates to a product cartoning system having adjustable carton carriers driven by more than one carton chain to allow varying a width between two of the carton carrier sidewalls to accommodate different size or shape cartons. This invention also relates to methods of use for the product cartoning systems of this invention.