Method and installation for producing a pack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing packaging from foldable materials like corrugated cardboard are inefficient and prone to damage during the application of elastic elements for automatic product advancement, as the elastic elements are often prestressed before the packaging is fully erected, leading to instability and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a relaxed elastic element is attached to the blank after it has been erected, allowing for variable application and minimizing the risk of damage during tensioning by ensuring the packaging has sufficient stability before the elastic element is stretched and locked in place, with stations for erecting the walls and tensioning the elastic element in a sequential manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the elastic element is attached and tensioned before the packaging is fully erected, then the packaging can be filled more efficiently, but the packaging structure becomes unstable and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidpackaging stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is attached to the blank in a relaxed state before erection, allowing the packaging structure to be fully erected and stabilized first. The tensioning action is delayed until after erection is complete, ensuring structural stability is established before the elastic element is activated for filling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the elastic element is tensioned before the packaging is erected, then the product advancement function is activated earlier, but the elastic element may cause damage to the packaging structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct advancement readinessVSAvoiddamage risk to packaging
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is attached in advance in a relaxed state, preparing the system for future product advancement without activating the tensioning force until the packaging structure is fully erected and stable, thereby avoiding damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the blank is transported in a flat state with the elastic element already attached, then space is saved during transport, but the elastic element may be damaged or lose its tensioning capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport spaceVSAvoidelastic element functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is attached to the blank in a relaxed state during manufacturing, allowing the blank to be transported in a compact flat state. The attachment is designed to withstand transport conditions, and the elastic element's functionality is preserved until the packaging is erected and tensioned at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the elastic element is applied variably to different blanks, then customization for different packaging needs is enabled, but the production process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging customizationVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is attached to the blank in a standardized relaxed state as a preliminary preparation step. This allows for variable application and customization in different packaging scenarios without requiring complex production processes, as the basic attachment mechanism remains simple and consistent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables efficient and reliable production of packaging that can be transported and stored in a space-saving flat state, with the elastic element applied variably, ensuring stability and minimizing damage during tensioning, allowing for easier filling and temporary storage.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element (15) which is attached in a relaxed state subsequently tensioned to the front wall (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3068700B1Method and installation for producing a pack
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 DS SMITH PACKAGING DEUT STIFTUNG & CO KG
  • EP3068700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3068700B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3068700B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a pack, and to an installation for this purpose. The method has the following steps: supplying a blank (1) which is made of a foldable material and has a base (3) and side walls (4) articulated thereon, a rear wall (6) and a front wall (5), fastening on the front wall (5), or connecting flaps (7) articulated on the front wall (5), an elastic element (15) which is relieved of stressing, erecting the side walls (4), the rear wall (6) and the front wall (5) from a flat-lying transporting state into an opened-out use state, and connecting the side walls (4) to the rear wall (6) and the front wall (5) and subjecting the elastic element (15) to stressing.