Extraction Device for Cardboard Boxes Using Pilot-Operated Vise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting the upper part of a stack of cardboard boxes often risk degrading the boxes and require specific configurations, making them inefficient and difficult to implement across various setups.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage extraction device with a gripping means and a separation means, where the separation means clears space under the batch to allow the gripping means to grasp the edge of the batch without inserting between the boxes, preventing deformation and degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a shovel or blade is inserted between two plates to extract the upper batch, then the extraction can be performed, but the plates may be damaged or the stack may be pushed and fall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidplate damage and stack instability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first pressing the upper batch of plates with a pressing element before insertion of the separating element. This pre-pressing action secures the batch in position, preventing it from falling or shifting during subsequent separation operations, thus eliminating the need for resistant vertical surfaces while maintaining extraction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a pressing element that applies downward force on the upper batch, acting as a mediator between the extraction mechanism and the stack. This intermediary pressing action prevents direct harmful contact between the separating element and the plates, avoiding damage while enabling successful separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If pressure is applied to the top of the column during shovel insertion, then the stack stability is improved, but product degradation at the edge still occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack stabilityVSAvoidproduct degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the pressing force on a localized pressing element that contacts only the upper batch to be extracted, rather than applying pressure to the entire column. This localized pressing stabilizes the target batch without degrading the edges of individual plates, while the separating element then inserts to complete the extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If vertical support surfaces are used to resist shovel insertion, then the stack is stabilized, but the design is limited to specific environments and places significant stress on the stack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack stabilizationVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by replacing the need for environment-specific vertical support surfaces with a self-contained pressing element that can be integrated into the extraction device itself. This pressing element provides the necessary stabilization function regardless of the external environment, making the extraction system adaptable to various configurations and locations without requiring specific structural supports

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

Data Source

PatentEP3162741B1Extraction method
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 SIDEL PACKING SOLUTIONS
  • EP3162741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3162741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3162741B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an extraction device (1) for moving a batch (4) of unbonded, stacked flat products (2) from a stack (3), the extraction device (1) comprising a frame (5) and, mounted in the frame (5), a gripping means (6) in the form of a pilot-operated vise for firmly grasping the batch (4) to be extracted by its edge. This device is further characterized in that it includes, mounted in the frame (5), a separating means (8), separate from the gripping means (6), carrying a support surface (9) for positioning itself beneath the batch (4). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.