H-Bot Case Erection via Virtual Cam Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current case erecting machinery in the packaging industry is not fast, accurate, or reliable enough for efficiently transforming folded-flat cardboard boxes into usable containers.
Innovation Solution
The H-Bot assembly, which includes a grasping tool with suction cups and a virtual cam path mechanism, moves along X- and Y-axes to grasp, rotate, and open cases, eliminating the need for motors attached to tools and reducing manufacturing costs by using pivoting chain and belt guides to create space for case erection without vertical or horizontal translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional case erecting machinery is used, then case erection can be performed, but the speed and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guide system movable rather than fixed. The guides can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations during the case erection process, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different case sizes and erection stages, thereby improving both speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical systems with a simplified guide-based mechanism. Instead of using multiple motors and actuators on each tool, the invention uses guided movement along predefined paths, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing precision and reliability
2Ease of operation
If motors are attached to tools for movement control, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guides as intermediary elements that mediate between the fixed frame and the moving tools. These guides provide the necessary movement control without requiring motors on each tool, acting as a mechanical intermediary that translates simple linear motions into complex tool paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the movement control function from the tools themselves and places it in the guide system. By separating the control function from the executing tools, the design eliminates the need for motors attached to each tool while maintaining precise control capability
3Area of stationary object
If vertical or horizontal translation is used to create space for case erection, then space is provided, but time and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal translation. The guide system allows tools to move vertically to access cases from above, creating erection space without requiring horizontal translation that would consume additional time and floor space
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 H-Bot assembly significantly improves the speed and accuracy of case erection by allowing complex movements and orientation control without additional motors, reducing time and space requirements, and enhancing the efficiency of the case-erection process.
Implementation Method 1
a grasping tool with suction cups
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for erecting folded-flat cases are described herein. In a first example, a grasping tool is moved along a supporting beam in two directions in a first dimension. The supporting beam is configured for movement along first and second beams two directions in a second dimension. The grasping tool is configured to grasp and open a folded-flat case. In a second example, the grasping tool is configured with a rotation arm. A rotation-control beam defines a track, within which a pin connected to the rotation arm is configured to slide. A motor drives the rotation-control beam in two directions in one dimension, to thereby rotate the grasping tool.