Automated Gift Wrapping Blank Cutting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for wrapping gifts with foldable materials, such as wrapping paper, are time-consuming and inefficient, especially during peak shopping periods like holidays, due to the need for manual cutting and folding, and storage constraints limit the availability of pre-made blanks for different gift sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically determine the dimensions of gifts using digital data storage and computer-controlled cutting devices, such as laser cutters, to produce custom-sized blanks with triangular sections and adhesive tabs, facilitating quick and efficient wrapping, either manually or automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ready-made blanks of wrapping paper are stored to simplify the wrapping process, then wrapping time is reduced, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing the dimensional data of blanks in memory, and preparing the cutting device in advance. When wrapping is needed, the pre-stored data is immediately retrieved and used to guide the cutting process, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation during the actual wrapping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical storage of physical blank sheets with an electronic information storage system. Instead of storing actual wrapping paper blanks in physical space, the system stores digital dimensional data that can be instantly retrieved and used to generate blanks on-demand through automated cutting, converting a physical storage problem into an electronic data management solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cutting and folding processes are used to wrap gifts, then flexibility for different gift sizes is maintained, but wrapping time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the wrapping process to automatically adapt to different gift dimensions without requiring skilled manual intervention. The automated cutting device, guided by pre-stored dimensional data and real-time gift measurements, autonomously produces correctly-sized blanks for various gift shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for manual measurement, calculation, and cutting while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the blank production process based on the specific dimensions of each gift. By integrating real-time dimensional measurement with automated cutting control, the system can instantly modify cutting parameters to match the unique requirements of each gift, providing dynamic adaptability that responds to varying gift sizes and shapes without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If multiple types of blanks for different gift sizes are prepared in advance, then wrapping efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing different blank types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using a single automated cutting device that can produce any size blank based on stored dimensional data. Instead of maintaining separate inventories of different blank types, the system uses one multi-functional cutting machine that can generate any required blank size on-demand, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple blank stock types while maintaining high wrapping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages blank variety by changing parameters (dimensional data) rather than physical stock. All blank variations are represented as digital parameter sets stored in memory, allowing the system to efficiently manage unlimited blank types by simply storing and retrieving different dimensional parameters, rather than physically organizing and managing diverse blank inventories.
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
Significantly reduces wrapping time by enabling the production of custom-sized blanks that can be used for various gift shapes, improving efficiency and reducing queue lengths during peak shopping periods.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting device is preferably a laser cutting device. This can include, for example, two lasers that are arranged to be displaceable transversely to the direction of transport of the foldable material, each laser generating a laser beam that cuts one of the opposite lateral edge regions of the foldable material according to the predetermined contour.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
To significantly reduce the time required to wrap items (15) to be packaged with foldable material, the invention proposes first determining the dimensions (edge contours) of corresponding blanks (2) from the dimensions of various items (4) to be packaged, thus simplifying the packaging process. The dimensions of these blanks (2) are then stored as digital data in an electronic memory (8). After selecting a specific item (15) to be packaged, the foldable material (11), stored as a roll, is automatically unwound from a dispenser (10) by means of a dispensing device, and the stored digital data assigned to the blank (2) of this item (15) is fed to a computer-controlled cutting device (12), which then creates a corresponding blank (2).This cut (2) is then used to pack the corresponding item (15) manually or automatically.