Modular Workpiece Carrier for Multi-Format Packaging Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece carriers for hood-shaped product packaging require separate carriers for each format, leading to high manufacturing costs due to format dependency.
Innovation Solution
A base carrier with a through-opening and a detachable insert element that can be adapted to various formats, where the insert element has a recess for the product package, and a handling device with a guide rail and slides for independent movement, allowing format flexibility with minimal manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate workpiece carriers are used for each format, then secure product handling is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece carrier is divided into a base carrier and a separate insert element. The base carrier remains constant while only the insert element needs to be changed for different formats, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining secure handling through format-specific inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
The base carrier is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple formats through interchangeable insert elements. This allows a single base carrier design to serve multiple packaging formats, reducing the need for separate carriers for each format.
2Reliability
If format-specific workpiece carriers are manufactured, then optimal product securing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the carrier into a universal base and format-specific inserts, the system reduces device complexity. Instead of maintaining complete separate carriers for each format, only the insert elements need to be varied while the base carrier remains standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The base carrier combines all common functional elements (movement mechanisms, positioning features) into a single standardized component. Only the insert elements differ between formats, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining optimal product securing for each format.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single base carrier is used with interchangeable inserts, then manufacturing costs decrease, but adaptability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base carrier is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple formats. The standardized base carrier includes through-openings and attachment mechanisms that work with various insert elements, enabling cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining adaptability through the insert system.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece carrier system is made dynamic through the interchangeable insert elements. While the base carrier remains static and standardized, the inserts can be quickly changed to adapt to different formats, providing the necessary versatility without increasing base carrier complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The workpiece carrier (5) for moving at least one hood-shaped product packaging (6) and its cover element (7) comprises a base carrier (22) which has a through-opening (26) for the hood-shaped product packaging (6) in a central area. An insert element (24) is detachably placed on the base carrier (22) and has at least one recess (28) for suspending the hood-shaped product packaging (6). The recess (28) of the inserted insert element (24) is positioned above the through-opening (26) of the base carrier (22).