Force Sensors for Packaging Process Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packaging processes, such as shrink wrapping, often rely on trial and error or operator experience, leading to inefficient and non-optimized force application, which can result in damage to objects and packaging materials due to uncontrolled forces.

Innovation Solution

The development of force sensors that can be integrated into packaging processes to measure forces on objects and packaging materials, allowing for data collection and optimization of packaging steps by determining optimal conditions for improved process design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If trial and error method is used to design shrink wrap process, then process design can be completed, but it is time consuming and does not result in optimized process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process design efficiencyVSAvoidtime for process design

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using force sensors to measure actual forces applied to packaged objects during shrink wrapping and transport. This measurement feedback enables real-time or post-process analysis of force magnitudes and directions, allowing engineers to optimize packaging processes based on actual data rather than trial and error, thereby improving design efficiency and reducing development time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If shrink wrap forces are not controlled, then packaging process is simpler, but forces may damage packaged objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process simplicityVSAvoiddamage to packaged objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting force measurements and analyses during the packaging process design phase. Force sensors are used to predict and identify potential damaging forces before actual packaging operations begin. This allows engineers to pre-optimize shrink wrap parameters, object arrangements, and packaging materials to prevent damage before it occurs, maintaining process simplicity while eliminating harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If force measurement is implemented in packaging process, then process optimization is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process optimizationVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses force sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure forces on packaged objects without requiring complex direct measurement systems. The sensors are strategically placed to capture representative force data, which then serves as a mediator for optimizing packaging processes. This intermediary approach enables process optimization while keeping the measurement system relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If random modification of shrink wrap variables is used, then process variables can be explored, but it does not lead to robust or optimized process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess variable explorationVSAvoidprocess robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error approach with a data-driven measurement system. Force sensors provide quantitative mechanical data about actual forces experienced by packaged objects, enabling systematic analysis and optimization of process variables. This substitution transforms random variable modification into a controlled, measurement-based optimization process that achieves both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 use of force sensors enables the measurement and analysis of forces applied during packaging, allowing for the identification of damaging forces and the optimization of packaging processes to minimize damage and improve efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first strain gauge on the first surface and a second strain gauge on the second surface, each strain gauge having an electrical resistance that changes in response to deformation of the beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8261621B2Measurement of forces on packaged objects

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 MOTT S LLP

AI summary

Force sensors may be useful for the measurement of forces on objects or packaging material in shipping articles during a packaging process. In some embodiments, a part of those force sensors may be similar or complementary to those objects or packaging material. Force data may be collected during packaging processes and may be used to determine conditions useful for improving those packaging processes.