Interchangeable Transport and Work Modules for Packaging Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging machines and conveying devices are often optimized for specific types and sizes of goods, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during transportation when handling different product variants, such as changes from bundled to individual items, due to inadequate support surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with interchangeable transport and work modules that can be easily switched between operating positions, utilizing a transmission system of linked elements and pulleys to adapt to different packaging types, including the use of circumferentially guided folding fingers to secure flaps of packaging material, ensuring stable handling and transport of individual articles or article sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conveying devices are specifically optimized for a certain type, size, and/or contour of conveyed goods, then the handling efficiency for that specific product type is improved, but the adaptability to different product variants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device incorporates adjustable support surfaces that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different product types, sizes, and contours. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to maintain optimal handling efficiency across multiple product variants without requiring complete device replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying device is designed with universal components that can handle multiple product types through adjustable parameters. The support surfaces and conveying elements are configured to adapt their geometry and positioning, enabling a single device to perform the function of multiple specialized devices
2Manufacturing precision
If packaging machines are specifically adjusted to transporting a different product variant, then the handling precision for that product is improved, but the conversion time between product types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains pre-configured support surface positions and conveying parameters for different product types. Before switching between product variants, the system pre-positions the necessary components, minimizing the actual conversion time and allowing rapid transition while maintaining handling precision
Solution Approach 2:
The support surfaces and conveying elements are designed for quick dynamic reconfiguration. Mechanical adjustment mechanisms allow rapid repositioning of components between predetermined positions, enabling fast product changeover while preserving the precision required for each specific product type
3Productivity
If conveying devices are adapted for transporting bundle units, then the transport efficiency for bundled goods is improved, but the reliability of transporting individual articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device features dynamically adjustable support surfaces that can change their geometry and positioning based on the product type. When transporting individual articles, the support surfaces provide adequate lateral support and proper positioning, preventing toppling while maintaining transport efficiency comparable to bundled goods handling
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) with at least two modules that are selectively transferable into a specific operating position (BL) for handling of individual articles or article sets. The apparatus (1) comprises at least one transport module (3) that moves individual articles or article sets with a first packaging type and at least one work module (5) that moves individual articles or article sets with a second, different, packaging type. The work module (5) can handle packaging material during the movement, with the packaging material being in contact with the individual articles or article sets. The apparatus (1) has an operating position (BL) and a waiting position (W1), into which operating position (BL) the transport module (3) or the work module (5) can be selectively inserted, and into which waiting position (W1) the transport module (3) is transferable by removing it from the specific operating position (BL).