Multipack Layer Formation Using Preliminary Adhesive Dots

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming a layer of containers using adhesive dots are inefficient as they require manipulation post-adhesive application, which can damage or contaminate the adhesive, and limit arrangement flexibility, restricting the formation of non-linear layers.

Innovation Solution

A method where containers are pre-grouped in loose compression, aligned, and then adhesive dots are applied before final compaction, allowing for the creation of interconnected layers without the need for extensive manipulation, using adhesive nozzles or tape to form splices between containers, enabling alternating orientations and improved mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive dots are applied before container manipulation, then adhesive application is simplified, but the adhesive dot may be damaged or contaminated during manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive application processVSAvoidadhesive dot integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive dot is applied in advance to the container surface before the containers are manipulated and arranged into bundles. This preliminary action simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for post-manipulation adhesive application, while the adhesive is positioned to remain undamaged during subsequent handling and compaction operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If containers are manipulated after adhesive application to form layers, then layer formation is possible, but manipulation becomes difficult and may damage adhesive dots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer formation processVSAvoidmanipulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Containers are pre-grouped into bundles with adhesive dots applied before the final layer formation. This preliminary bundling reduces the complexity of subsequent manipulation operations, as the adhesive-attached containers are already partially organized and can be more easily arranged into final layer configurations without damaging the adhesive dots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If containers are tightly compacted before adhesive application, then space efficiency is improved, but adhesive application becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer compactnessVSAvoidadhesive application accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive dots are applied to containers before they are compacted into tight bundles. This sequence allows the adhesive to be applied when containers are more accessible, and the subsequent compaction presses the adhesive dots into effective bonding positions between adjacent containers, achieving both application ease and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive dot acts as an intermediary that facilitates bonding between containers during the compaction process. As containers are compressed into bundles, the adhesive dots are pressed into contact with adjacent container surfaces, enabling effective bonding without requiring complex application mechanisms for tightly packed containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive strength is high, then layer stability is improved, but separation of bundles becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer stabilityVSAvoidbundle separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive dots are applied with controlled local adhesive properties that provide sufficient bonding strength for layer stability while maintaining the ability to separate bundles when needed. The adhesive formulation and application parameters are optimized to achieve appropriate bond strength at the dot locations without creating excessive adhesion that would prevent separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the efficient formation of strong, interconnected layers with reduced adhesive strength for easy separation, minimizing damage and contamination risks, and enabling the creation of large, stable, non-linear layers with enhanced mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive dot is applied to a first pack, and that when the pre-grouped packs are finally compacted into one layer, a glue point is created from the adhesive point between two adjacent packs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3245149B1Method for the production of a layer of multipacks
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 KHS GMBH
  • EP3245149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3245149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a layer of multipacks, wherein the multipacks have containers which are connected to each other and the layer has at least a first and a second multipack, said method comprising the steps of: providing a first and a second multipack, which are pregrouped in loose compression to form a layer, in a receiving region and final compression of the pregrouped multipack to a layer. In order to provide a method and a device, in which the joining of multipacks to a layer is carried out without the disadvantages described above, it is provided that, prior to the final compression of the multipacks to a layer, an adhesive spot is applied onto a first multipack, and that during or after the provision of the pregrouped multipack, but prior to the final compression of the pregrouped multipack to a layer, an adhesive point is produced between two adjacent multipacks.