Movable Tool Holder Packaging Robot for Fast Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging robots require extensive reconfiguration and reduced throughput when switching between different packaging formats, as they need to exchange bridges and tool holders to accommodate changes in tool head configurations from three to four or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A packaging robot with a bridge and movable tool holders that can switch between different packaging processes by adjusting the number of tool heads required, allowing for flexible format changes without physical reconfiguration, using a control device to manage tool holder movements and power supply, and incorporating quick-change mechanisms for tool heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging robot uses a fixed configuration with a specific number of tool heads, then the packaging process is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different packaging formats is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by making tool holders movable along the bridge structure. Tool holders can be positioned in standby positions or active positions as needed, allowing the robot to dynamically adjust its configuration between different packaging formats without requiring complete disassembly or exchange of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is divided into multiple segments or zones along its length, with tool holders that can be independently positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows selective activation of tool heads based on the required packaging format, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining overall system integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging robot exchanges bridges and tool holders to change tool head configurations, then the adaptability to different formats is improved, but the productivity and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Tool holders are pre-positioned in standby locations along the bridge structure, ready to be quickly moved to active positions when format changes are required. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly or exchange operations, allowing rapid reconfiguration while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support and a guide rail for movable tool holders. The same bridge infrastructure supports different tool head configurations without requiring physical exchange of the bridge itself, enabling universal adaptability across different packaging formats.
3Ease of operation
If the packaging robot uses movable tool holders along the bridge, then the adaptability and ease of reconfiguration are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages the positioning and coordination of movable tool holders based on the selected packaging format. The system self-regulates the movement and activation of tool holders without requiring manual intervention, simplifying operation while managing the inherent complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a packaging robot for articles such as beverage containers or the like. The packaging robot comprises a bridge (3) as well as at least two tool holders (5) arranged at the bridge (3), wherein the at least two tool holders (5) arranged on the bridge (3) are each movable along the bridge (3) and can each accommodate a tool head (7). It is provided that at least one tool holder (5) of the at least two tool holders (5) arranged at the bridge (3) is optionally able to be equipped with a particular tool head (7) adapted to the particular packaging process to be performed. It is also provided that the at least one tool holder (5) of the at least two tool holders (5) can switch into a standby mode while remaining at the bridge (3) if the particular packaging process to be performed by the packaging robot does not require the at least one tool holder (5) to be equipped with a tool head (7).