Moveable Jaw Drums for Flexible Container Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines require multiple versions and complex setups to accommodate different container sizes, configurations, and heights, limiting flexibility and efficiency, and often necessitate separate machines for varying package sizes and application positions.

Innovation Solution

A machine with moveable jaw drums and adjustable components allows for quick reconfiguration to handle a wide range of container sizes and configurations using a single system, enabling the packaging of containers with varying diameters and heights without the need for multiple machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single packaging machine is used to accommodate different container sizes and configurations, then the need for multiple machines is reduced and working space is minimized, but the machine complexity and setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to package different container sizes and configurationsVSAvoidmachine configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging machine is divided into modular components including interchangeable jaw drums, adjustable carrier applicators, and separable functional units. Each module can be independently adjusted or replaced to accommodate different container sizes and packaging configurations, reducing the complexity of reconfiguring the entire machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine incorporates dynamically adjustable elements such as variable jaw drum positions, adjustable carrier feed mechanisms, and movable application points. These dynamic components allow the machine to adapt to different container diameters, heights, and package configurations through simple positional adjustments rather than complex reconfigurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple different machines are used for different package sizes and configurations, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of machines required increases and working space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging efficiency for specific container typesVSAvoidworking space required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging machine is designed as a universal system capable of handling multiple container types, package sizes (4-packs, 6-packs, 12-packs), and application positions (sidewall and rim). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines for each packaging scenario, significantly reducing the total number of machines and working space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fixed jaw drums are used for packaging, then the machine structure is simplified, but the range of container diameters that can be packaged is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw drum structureVSAvoidrange of container diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw drum system incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that allow the drum diameter and jaw positioning to be dynamically changed. This enables the same jaw drum structure to accommodate a wide range of container diameters without requiring completely different drums for each size, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex set-up procedures are used to accommodate different package sizes, then the machine can handle various configurations, but the setup time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage size flexibilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is pre-configured with multiple interchangeable jaw drums and adjustable components that are ready for quick swapping. Carrier reels are pre-loaded with different carrier types, and adjustment mechanisms are pre-positioned for common package configurations. This preliminary preparation allows operators to quickly change between different package sizes and types without complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2018324B1Machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers

Publication Date: 2010.10.27 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

An applicating machine (10) for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw drum (40) moveable between an operating position and a storage position away from the operating position. In the operating position the jaw drum is positioned with respect to the infeed to accept the plurality of containers and apply the flexible carrier to the plurality of containers. A second jaw drum (50) may be moveable into the operating position to enable packaging of containers having different dimensions and/or packages having different configurations.