Integrated Carton Packaging Line for Compact Box Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems for carton boxes are cumbersome and complex, requiring separate transfer lines for grouping and inserting boxes into packaging boxes, which complicates the layout and increases dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A packaging machine that integrates a conveying line with stations for storing, opening, and transporting flat tubular die-cut blanks, allowing direct connection between a carton boxing machine and a boxing machine, enabling efficient grouping and packaging of carton boxes into packaging boxes before insertion into corrugated cardboard cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate transfer lines are used to collect and transport carton boxes from the boxing machine to packaging apparatus, then the grouping and packaging function is achieved, but the dimensions and complexity of the production line layout increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrouping and packaging functionVSAvoidproduction line layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transfer line function with the packaging apparatus by integrating the conveying line directly into the packaging machine structure. The packaging machine includes a conveying line with inlet and outlet that directly connects to the boxing machine, eliminating the need for separate lateral and transversal transfer lines. This merging of functions reduces layout complexity while maintaining the grouping and packaging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging machine is designed as a multi-functional device that performs conveying, grouping, packaging box formation from flat blanks, and product insertion all within a single integrated structure. The conveying line serves both as a transport mechanism and as part of the packaging station infrastructure, allowing the machine to handle multiple operations without requiring separate dedicated lines for each function.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate transfer lines are used to transport carton boxes laterally and transversally, then the packaging function is realised, but the dimensions of the production line increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging functionVSAvoidproduction line space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying line is integrated directly into the packaging machine structure, with the inlet positioned to receive boxes directly from the boxing machine outlet. This eliminates the need for separate lateral and transversal transfer lines that would otherwise be required to move boxes between stations, thereby reducing the overall footprint and space requirements of the production line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging machine utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement of components to perform multiple functions within a compact footprint. The conveying line is positioned to optimize space utilization, and the packaging box formation station uses vertical movement of blanks and components to reduce horizontal space requirements, thereby minimizing the overall production line area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4389617B1A packaging machine for packing groups of products in packaging boxes formed starting from flat tubular die-cut blanks made of card or cardboard and destined to be inserted into a cardboard packing case
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MARCHESINI GROUP SPA
  • EP4389617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The packaging machine (100) comprises a conveying line (L) for receiving and conveying products, such as boxes (P), along a conveying direction (L1) and, flanked to the conveying line (L): a store (M) of flat tubular die-cut blanks (T) made of card or cardboard; a collecting and opening out station (SP) of the flat tubular die-cut blanks (T) and formation of packaging boxes (S); a transport system (D) for the packaging boxes (S); a carton boxes pickup and grouping station (G), for grouping the carton boxes (P) conveyed along the conveying line (L) and for insertion thereof in the packaging boxes (S); a transfer station (E), for receiving, from the transport system (D), the packaging boxes (S) having internally thereof the groups of carton boxes and being closed at the respective two heads, and to move them onto the conveying line (L), in such a way that the conveying line (L) can convey the packaging boxes (S) to the relative outlet from which the packaging boxes (S) can be transferred to the inlet (MC) of a boxing machine for insertion thereof in a packing case.