Filling-Level Container Packaging With Translational Angled Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies require complex machine designs and incur high maintenance costs due to the use of vertically movable cutting knives or scissor-like separating tools, which are prone to wear and tear, leading to significant downtime and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A device that creates vertical cuts in a container wall solely through a translational, linear movement of a cutting tool, with the cutting edge angled relative to the container wall, allowing for efficient and economical adaptation of packaging to the individual filling level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertically movable cutting knives or scissor-like separating tools are used to cut container walls, then the container can be adapted to individual filling levels, but the cutting tools are subject to significant wear and tear requiring frequent replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system (knives and scissor-like tools) with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam creates separation lines in the container wall without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear on cutting tools while maintaining the ability to adapt to different filling levels. The laser beam is guided by a galvanometer system that can precisely position the cutting point along the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the control system and the container wall. Instead of direct mechanical contact between cutting tools and container material, the laser beam acts as a non-contact mediator that transfers energy to cut the material, thereby avoiding the wear and tear associated with direct mechanical contact.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex guide and drive systems are used to move cutting tools horizontally and vertically, then precise cuts can be made, but the machine design becomes complex resulting in additional manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical guide and drive systems by replacing them with a laser beam guided by a galvanometer system. The galvanometer uses electromagnetic fields to control the position of the laser beam, replacing mechanical movement with electromagnetic actuation. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mechanical movement system (horizontal and vertical movement of cutting tools) to a system that controls the laser beam position in multiple dimensions through angular deflection of mirrors in the galvanometer. This allows precise positioning without the mechanical complexity of multi-axis movement systems.
3Ease of operation
If corner knives or scissor-like separating tools are used to cut container corners, then the container can be closed properly, but the tools require regular replacement leading to significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical corner cutting tools with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam can precisely cut container corners without the wear and tear that requires frequent tool replacement. This eliminates downtime associated with tool changes while maintaining the ability to properly close containers.
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
Reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by minimizing wear on cutting tools, enabling efficient and economical packaging that optimizes container volume utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is used to create a separation line in the container wall
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam is used to create a separation line - Transform Optical Energy to Thermal Energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device, a unit and a method for volume-optimised packaging of goods by means of a container made of foldable material such as cardboard or paperboard, taking into account its individual product-dependent filling height h, wherein the container (7) has a container base (16) and four container walls (17) arranged opposite one another in pairs, and for partially or completely closing the container (7), at least one container wall (17) is foldable over part of its height in the direction of the opposite container wall (17).The device comprises a unit (8) for detecting the individual fill level h of the container (7) filled with goods, a unit (11) for generating horizontal grooves (20) and/or perforations in the container walls (17) depending on the individual fill level h to create folding lines (21), a unit (12) for generating vertical cuts (23) in the container walls (17) between the free edge (19) of the container walls (17) and the area of the individual fill level h, a unit (13) for closing the container (7).In order to package goods in the most efficient and economical manner possible, taking into account the individual fill level of the container (7), the present invention proposes that the unit (12) for producing vertical separations (23) in the container walls (17) have a support surface (56) for receiving the container base (16) during the production of the separations (23), and at least one separating tool (45, 45', 45") with a separating edge (46, 46', 46"), wherein the separating edge (46, 46', 46") runs in a plane orthogonal to the support surface (56) and is inclined by an angle α with respect to a perpendicular (55) to the support surface (56) and extends over the entire length of the vertical separation (23) to be produced.Furthermore, the unit (12) for producing vertical separations (23) in the container walls (17) has adjustment means with which the at least one separating tool (45, 45', 45") can be translationally adjusted from a first inner functional position, in which the separating edge (46, 46', 46") lies inside the container (7) before the container wall (17) is separated, into a second outer functional position, in which the separating edge (46, 46', 46") lies outside the container (7) after the container wall (17) has been separated.