Mobile Article Transport for Flexible Packaging Line Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging plant transport systems are inflexible, obstructive, and inefficient, unable to handle diverse groups of articles or change production and packaging machine positions without significant disruptions and costs, leading to incomplete consumer demands and product deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A movable device with a frame and guide circuit, equipped with magnetic elements for positioning and transfer units, allows for flexible movement and repositioning of articles between production and packaging machines, enabling automated, coordinated, and customized packaging without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed transport systems are used to connect production machines and packaging machines, then articles can be transferred along a predefined path, but the system becomes bulky, obstructs operators, and cannot be repositioned without disassembly and production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, static transport systems with mobile robots that can dynamically reposition themselves and adapt to changing production layouts. The robots move on a two-dimensional plane and can be reassigned to different machines without disassembly, enabling the transport system to dynamically adapt to production needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical fixed conveyor systems with autonomous mobile robots equipped with sensors and navigation capabilities. This replacement eliminates the need for bulky fixed infrastructure while maintaining efficient article transfer between production and packaging machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple additional components are used to change the delivery order of articles, then delivery sequence can be modified, but the operating cycle slows down significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile robots provide dynamic control over article delivery sequences by adjusting their movement patterns, speeds, and routing in real-time. This eliminates the need for additional mechanical components while maintaining flexible delivery ordering and preserving high operating cycle speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as robot velocity, trajectory, and task assignment to control delivery order. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves flexible article sequencing without adding physical components that would slow down the operating cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed transport systems are used, then articles are transferred along a preset path, but the system cannot accommodate different types or numbers of articles without modifications during production stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile robots are designed as universal transport units capable of handling various article types, sizes, and quantities. Their software-controlled navigation and task management enable them to adapt to different packaging requirements without physical modifications, allowing the system to process diverse article combinations continuously during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time production requirements, article characteristics, and packaging specifications. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for production stoppages to reconfigure the transport system for different article types or quantities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual grouping stations are used to create customized packages, then various article combinations can be formed, but the process is slow and subject to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile robots autonomously perform article retrieval, transport, and delivery to packaging machines without human intervention. The robots self-coordinate their movements and task execution, enabling automated customization of article packages at high speeds while eliminating human errors associated with manual grouping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software-controlled parameter adjustments to manage diverse article combinations and packaging configurations. By changing digital parameters rather than relying on manual operations, the system achieves both high customization capability and rapid packaging speeds with consistent accuracy.
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
Enables quick processing and packaging of various article combinations, maintaining production continuity, reducing costs and product waste by eliminating the need for fixed transport systems and manual handling, thus meeting consumer demands efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The body is provided with a magnetic element configured to magnetically couple to the guide circuit, so that, during use, the body is in the desired position along the guide circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
A movable device (90) for transporting groups (G1, G2, G3) of articles in a packaging plant (100), capable of processing various and different groups of articles quickly in relation to the specific batches to be packaged requested by consumers. The present invention also relates to a packaging plant (100).