Magazine for Flat Elements Matrix Storage and Parallel Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magazines for packaging devices are inefficient in storing and removing large numbers of flat elements, leading to reduced packaging performance and increased downtime due to the need for sequential removal and limited capacity, which also restricts processing of multiple types of elements.
Innovation Solution
A magazine design featuring multiple units with lateral guides and a lifting device that allows for stacks to be arranged in a matrix form, enabling simultaneous removal and efficient storage of multiple flat elements, reducing downtime and increasing output by allowing for the handling of different shapes and dimensions without frequent changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flat elements are stored in a single stack in a single magazine, then the magazine structure is simple, but the packaging performance is reduced and downtime increases due to sequential removal
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple magazine units (first magazine unit, second magazine unit, etc.) that can store multiple stacks simultaneously. Each magazine unit operates independently, allowing parallel removal of flat elements from different stacks, thereby increasing packaging performance without requiring a completely new single-structure magazine
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-stack linear arrangement to a multi-stack matrix arrangement with rows and columns. Stacks are positioned at different locations (first position, second position, etc.) within the magazine, enabling simultaneous access and removal from multiple positions, thus improving productivity while maintaining manageable structural complexity
2Productivity
If flat elements are removed one after another from a single magazine, then the magazine structure is simple, but the output is reduced and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stacks are maintained in the magazine simultaneously, ensuring that while one stack is being removed, other stacks remain available for immediate processing. This eliminates idle time and maintains continuous useful action, as the removal device can continuously operate on different stacks without waiting for magazine refilling
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stacks are pre-loaded into the magazine units before the packaging operation begins. This preliminary loading of multiple stacks ensures that the magazine is fully stocked and ready for continuous operation, eliminating downtime associated with frequent refilling and maintaining high output throughout the packaging process
3Adaptability or versatility
If only one type of blank is processed, then the magazine is simple to manage, but the adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine units are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to accommodate different types of blanks and stacks. The guide walls and support structures can adapt to various stack configurations, enabling the same magazine structure to process multiple types of flat elements without requiring specialized dedicated magazines for each type
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine system allows for dynamic reconfiguration of stack arrangements and types. Different magazine units can store different types of blanks, and the system can adaptively manage various stack formations (rows, columns, different positions) based on the packaging requirements, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (2) has storing units (2a) storing a laminar element (6) i.e. card board, and lateral guide (9) i.e. guiding wall, provided in a pack of cards. A lifting unit (4) with a fork arm (14) is attached to the device, and the pack of cards is arranged in an array and a gap. The pack of cards is lifted by the lifting unit along lifting direction in an extraction position (11) such that the laminar elements are removed from the extraction position. A carriage (7) is attached to the device, and angled elements are firmly fastened to the guiding wall. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a packaging device for cladding a bundle of article, comprising an extracting unit (2) a method for feeding or removing a laminar element to and/or from a storage device of a packaging device.