Linear Transporter Folding Station for Container Bundle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing bundles of containers, such as strapping or using shrink films, are costly and inefficient, as they require significant energy input and can lead to containers becoming dislodged during transport due to vibration or impacts, and strapping does not securely hold the bundle when a container is removed.
Innovation Solution
A device with a linear transporter and folding station that converts a wide stream of containers into single-track streams, using gripping elements to stabilize and position underlays beneath the containers, and a folding mechanism to secure the edges of the bundles, allowing for efficient and secure packaging without the need for high-energy shrink films or strapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If strapping or shrink films are used to secure bundles, then bundle stability during transport is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the shrink film wrapping step from the traditional bundling process. Instead of using shrink films that require high-energy heating, the patent uses a mechanical folding station that folds container flaps outward and secures them with straps, completely removing the energy-intensive thermal shrinking process while maintaining bundle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical shrink film system with a purely mechanical folding and strapping system. The folding station uses mechanical arms to fold container flaps, and straps provide mechanical retention, eliminating the need for thermal energy input required by shrink films.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strapping is used to hold containers together, then bundle stability is improved, but when a container is removed the remaining containers are no longer held together securely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by folding the container flaps outward before strapping. This creates an interlocking structure where the flaps extend beyond the container bodies and can be folded over adjacent containers, providing continuous mechanical engagement that maintains bundle stability even when containers are removed or added.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded flaps create a nested structure where flaps from different containers interlock and overlap, forming a continuous mechanical linkage throughout the bundle. This nested arrangement ensures that the strapping system maintains its holding capability across the entire bundle structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If containers are transported in a wide stream with arbitrary orientation, then feeding flexibility is improved, but alignment precision is lost requiring additional alignment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities in the folding station, where folding arms can adapt their positioning and motion paths based on the incoming container orientation. This dynamic system can handle containers with arbitrary initial orientations while still achieving precise final alignment and consistent flap folding, maintaining both feeding flexibility and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing packages, wherein a base is placed thereunder, and for example wherein a folding station folds protruding edges towards the package. It is proposed that at least the folding station or the base-delivery apparatus is in the form of a linear conveyor with a closed moving track on which carriages circulate in the same direction, with at least one folding head on each carriage.