Dynamic Packaging Material Cutting for Flexible Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies require lengthy changeover times and are inflexible in accommodating objects of varying shapes, types, and sizes, necessitating frequent retooling and operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize two distinct packaging materials, fed from rolls, with adjustable cutting devices and a control unit to customize packaging material size and shape, allowing for efficient packaging of grouped objects without pre-fabrication, using a first material as support and a second material as an envelope, which can be shrunk for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-fabricated packaging materials are used, then packaging speed is improved, but adaptability to different object shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is supplied as a continuous flexible strip from rolls rather than as rigid pre-fabricated pieces. This dynamic supply method allows the material to be continuously fed and adjusted in length and width according to different packaging requirements, enabling both high-speed operation and adaptability to various object dimensions and shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting devices are equipped with adjustable parameters including blade position, cutting length, and cutting angle. These parameters can be dynamically modified to match different object sizes and shapes while maintaining continuous high-speed production, resolving the contradiction between packaging speed and adaptability
2Device complexity
If fixed packaging material dimensions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying object requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses universal cutting devices that can perform multiple cutting operations (lengthwise, crosswise, at angles) on a single continuous strip of packaging material. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized cutting devices for different material dimensions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability to varying object requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting devices feature adjustable parameters that can be dynamically modified according to packaging requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows a single device configuration to handle diverse packaging needs without requiring complex retooling or multiple fixed-dimension devices
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-assembled packaging components are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but changeover time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is supplied as a continuous strip with pre-defined base dimensions from the roll, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision. The cutting devices then perform preliminary cutting operations to create the specific required dimensions and shapes, eliminating the need for time-consuming retooling while maintaining precision across different packaging configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting devices can dynamically adjust their cutting parameters (length, width, angle) between different packaging tasks without requiring physical retooling. This dynamic adjustability maintains manufacturing precision through controlled cutting operations while dramatically reducing changeover time compared to fixed pre-assembled components
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 rapid and flexible packaging of diverse objects with reduced operator workload and costs, minimizing downtime due to retooling, and providing stable, customizable packaging solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a first packaging material and a second packaging material for the objects assembled into groups can be fed to the device... The first packaging material and the second packaging material differ in terms of their functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for packaging items (3) in groups. The items (3), assembled into groups (2), are moved through the device (1) at intervals in the transport direction (T) by a conveyor (5). The first packaging material (11) and the second packaging material (12) differ in their functionality. At least one first roll (13) is provided as a supply for the first packaging material (11) and at least one second roll (14) as a supply for the second packaging material (12). The first and second packaging materials (11, 12) can be produced in any desired shape and size by means of a first separating device (17) and a second separating device (18).