Protective Element Attachment on Moving Packaging Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems for furniture components are inefficient in processing a large number of packages per unit of time and lack integration into a packaging line.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a conveying system and handling devices with movable holding sections that attach protective elements to packaging in motion, applying counter-pressure for secure bonding, and synchronized with the packaging's movement to enhance throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If protective elements are attached to packaging using conventional stationary methods, then attachment security is achieved, but processing speed and throughput are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is made movable along the conveying direction to synchronize with the packaging movement. The holding section can move independently along the conveying direction while the handling device remains stationary, enabling high-speed attachment without requiring complex moving entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device is divided into a stationary main body and a movable holding section. This segmentation allows the holding section to move independently to track packaging while the main device remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the handling device moves synchronously with packaging, then high-speed processing is achieved, but synchronization control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackages per unit timeVSAvoidsynchronization control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding section is designed to move dynamically along the conveying direction to match packaging speed. This localized dynamic movement enables high throughput while keeping the movement scope limited to the holding section rather than the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback control to synchronize the holding section movement with packaging conveyance. The control unit monitors packaging position and adjusts holding section movement accordingly, managing synchronization complexity through automated feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If counter-pressure is applied during attachment, then bonding security is improved, but additional mechanical complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidpressure application mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-pressure application is integrated into the movable holding section, allowing pressure to be applied dynamically during the attachment process. This ensures secure bonding while utilizing the existing movement mechanism rather than adding separate pressure systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3743338B1Device and method for applying a protective element to a packaging
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HOMAG AUTOMATION
  • EP3743338B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3743338B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for applying a protective element to a packaging. The packaging can be, for example, a cardboard box or a folding box, in which one or more objects can be inserted. Such an object can be an element from the furniture and component industry, in particular one or more furniture parts, such as floor panels, boards, cabinet elements, furniture accessories or the like.