Automated Sampling Control for Folding Box Packaging Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sampling folding boxes in packaging machines lack a systematic and traceable approach, often resulting in incorrect packing and failure to detect damage caused during packaging, as they are typically done manually or before packaging is complete.

Innovation Solution

A method where the removal interval and sample number are forwarded to machine control, allowing for calculation of the required number of folding boxes per outer carton, enabling systematic and traceable sampling post-packaging, with additional boxes added for sampling, and a check code is applied to the outer carton to verify sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual sampling is performed by the machine operator, then sampling can be done flexibly, but the sampling process becomes untraceable and the number of folding boxes in the outer carton becomes incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling flexibilityVSAvoidtraceability of sampling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The machine control system automatically records sampling information including the number of samples taken, their positions in the outer carton, and generates traceable documentation. This feedback mechanism ensures complete traceability of the sampling process while maintaining operational flexibility through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically calculates and provides the correct number of additional folding boxes needed to compensate for sampling. The machine control autonomously manages the sampling process, eliminating the need for manual tracking and ensuring the outer carton always contains the correct number of boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If samples are taken before packaging in outer boxes, then sampling can be performed, but damage caused by the packaging process itself cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoiddetection of packaging damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and prepares the correct number of additional folding boxes needed for sampling before the packaging process begins. This preliminary action ensures that samples can be taken after packaging without compromising the integrity of the packaging process or the ability to detect packaging damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of sampling before packaging, the system is designed to sample after packaging by providing additional boxes in advance. This inverted approach allows detection of packaging damage while maintaining sampling efficiency through automated post-packaging sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If additional folding boxes are packed in outer boxes to compensate for sampling, then the correct number of boxes is maintained, but the sampling process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of folding boxes per outer cartonVSAvoidsampling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine control system performs multiple functions: it calculates the number of additional boxes needed, tracks sampling positions, records sampling data, and manages the provision of additional boxes. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system by consolidating complexity into a single automated control unit rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual calculation and tracking of box quantities with automated electronic calculation and control. The machine control automatically determines the correct number of additional boxes and manages their provision, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP1964779B1Method for removing samples of folding boxes
Publication Date: 2013.10.09 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP1964779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1964779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1964779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sampling process for folding boxes (1) involves taking sample boxes from a packing machine. The preset number of samples and the sample extraction interval are fed into the control machine. After calculating the result per carton and/or per position by sampling, more of the required boxes are put through the filling and sampling process.