Moulded Pulp Egg Packaging Elevated Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional egg packaging units often open during automated or robotized packing operations, leading to process standstills and product loss due to the application of considerable forces by grippers and vacuum heads.
Innovation Solution
A packaging unit made of moulded pulp with a bottom part and cover part hingedly connected, featuring elevated locking openings and cams positioned at the transition region between the front and top surfaces, a support member for enhanced stability, and an ovoid shape for improved locking security and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging units are used with standard locking mechanisms, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the packaging unit opens during automated packing operations causing process standstills and product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is repositioned from a conventional location to an elevated position in the transition region between the front and top surfaces of the cover part. This spatial relocation to a different dimension (height/position) allows the locking mechanism to engage higher on the packaging unit, providing improved locking security during automated handling while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is strategically positioned at the transition region between the front surface and top surface of the cover part, creating a localized area of enhanced locking function. This local positioning allows the locking mechanism to leverage the geometric transition zone for improved engagement and security during automated packing operations
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are positioned at conventional locations, then the packaging unit structure is simple, but the packaging unit opens during handling and causes product loss
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the locking mechanism to an elevated position in the transition region (changing the vertical dimension of locking engagement), the packaging unit achieves more reliable locking that prevents opening during automated handling, thereby preventing product loss
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage preliminarily at the elevated transition region position, creating preemptive resistance against forces that would cause the packaging unit to open during automated packing operations, thus preventing product loss before it occurs
3Ease of operation
If locking openings and cams are positioned at elevated transition region, then locking security is improved and maneuverability is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is positioned at the transition region between front and top surfaces, utilizing the geometric transition zone. This dimensional placement provides inherent geometric guidance for accurate positioning during manufacturing, as the transition region naturally defines the locking element location, thereby reducing the stringency of precision requirements while maintaining improved maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The transition region between the front surface and top surface of the cover part creates a curved/geometric transition zone. This curved geometry provides natural alignment and guidance for the locking mechanism, facilitating more tolerant manufacturing while ensuring proper engagement and improved maneuverability during automated packing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging unit from a moulded pulp material and a manufacturing method therefor. The packaging unit comprises a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, a cover part a hinge configured for hingedly connecting the bottom part with the cover part, and a lock configured for locking the cover part to the bottom part, with the lock comprising a one or more locking openings and one or more corresponding locking cams. The bottom part comprises a support member that is configured for engaging the cover part and wherein the one or more locking openings comprise and/or are circumvented by a backwards curved upper edge that is at least partially positioned in the transition region.