Automated Packaging System for Elongated Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for packaging elongated stacks, such as wooden boards or beams, are mostly manual and lack automation, especially for stacks of varying lengths, and do not effectively protect against environmental influences like rain and wind.

Innovation Solution

An automated system comprising a conveyor, banding device, cover sheet applicator, and vertical strapper that wraps stacks in a windproof manner, using film rolls and adhesive tape to secure the cover sheet and ensure a continuous connection, allowing for stacks up to 18 meters in length to be processed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual packaging methods are used, then flexibility in handling varying stack lengths is maintained, but automation and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging automationVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: a conveyor for transporting stacks, a banding device with film rolls for vertical wrapping, a cover sheet applicator for horizontal covering, and a vertical strapper for securing. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the conveyor system, enabling automated processing of varying stack lengths without requiring a completely redesigned system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If standard packaging devices are used, then existing packaging functions are provided, but protection against environmental influences is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from rain and windVSAvoidpackaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The banding device and cover sheet applicator are integrated into a single automated system that simultaneously applies both vertical banding and horizontal covering. The conveyor system transports stacks through both functions in sequence, creating a unified packaging solution that provides superior environmental protection compared to separate packaging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system is designed to handle multiple packaging functions (vertical banding, horizontal covering, and strapping) within a single automated setup. The conveyor can accommodate stacks of varying lengths, and the film rolls can be adjusted to different widths, making the system universally applicable to different packaging requirements while maintaining protection against environmental factors.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If stacks of varying lengths up to 18m are processed, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency become more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of varying stack lengthsVSAvoidpackaging consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The banding device incorporates film rolls with adjustable widths and the cover sheet applicator can accommodate different stack dimensions. The conveyor system maintains consistent transport speed and positioning regardless of stack length, while the banding and covering mechanisms automatically adjust their operation parameters to maintain packaging precision across varying stack sizes up to 18 meters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables fully automated, efficient packaging of elongated stacks, ensuring protection from environmental elements by creating a windproof seal and maintaining stack integrity across varying lengths and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive tape roll (27), from which an adhesive tape (28), which is coated at least on one side, can be pulled off, by which the edge strip (6) is connected to the outside of the vertical wrapping (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The two film rolls have a width that corresponds to the height of the stack, so that the two front vertical surfaces of the stack and the two longitudinal sides of the stack are banded by the film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3431399B1Device and method for packaging stacked elongated objects and use of such a device
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SCHWUCHT VALERIO
  • EP3431399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3431399B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3431399B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for packaging a cuboid stack (1), in particular stacked elongated objects (2), for example wooden boards or beams, with a conveyor forming a horizontal conveyor track (19), which is configured to transport the stack (2) in a transport direction corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the stacked objects, with a banderolizer (10) configured to band the vertical surfaces of the stack (1) with a vertical covering (3), with a cover sheet applicator (20) for placing a cover sheet (5) onto the upwardly facing horizontal surface of the stack (1), which is configured such that two longitudinal, one front and one rear edge strip (6) of the cover sheet (5) each project beyond the edge of the horizontal surface.To connect the edge strips (6) to the vertical covering (3) with an adhesive tape (28), at least one roll of adhesive tape (27) is provided, from which the adhesive tape (28), which is coated on at least one side, can be peeled off, so that it connects the edge strip (6) to the outside of the vertical covering (3) in a horizontal plane.