Multiple-mode case erector with movable plunger for slotted and plunger cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing case erection processes for slotted and plunger cases require separate dedicated lines, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in packing plant operations, as they have different erection methods and space requirements, making it challenging to adapt to diverse customer packing needs without significant investment in infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-mode case erector capable of both slotted-case and plunger-case erection, which uses side erection for slotted cases and upright erection for plunger cases, sharing a common footprint, allowing for flexible adaptation to different customer requirements with reduced capital and space investments by integrating shared components and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated lines are used for slotted-case and plunger-case erection, then each case type can be processed with specialized equipment, but the space requirements and capital investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The case erector is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating both slotted-case and plunger-case erection processes within a single machine. The system uses movable components including a plunger and case opener that can be repositioned, allowing the same equipment to handle different case types without requiring separate dedicated lines for each case type.
2Reliability
If separate dedicated lines are used for slotted-case and plunger-case erection, then each case type can be processed with specialized equipment, but the capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case erector is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating both slotted-case and plunger-case erection processes within a single machine. The system uses movable components including a plunger and case opener that can be repositioned, allowing the same equipment to handle different case types without requiring separate dedicated lines for each case type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, movable components rather than fixed specialized equipment. The plunger and case opener can be moved to different positions and configurations to accommodate different case types, making the equipment adaptable and reducing the need for multiple static production lines.
3Area of stationary object
If a single machine handles both slotted-case and plunger-case erection, then space and capital requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic, movable components rather than fixed specialized equipment. The plunger and case opener can be moved to different positions and configurations to accommodate different case types, making the equipment adaptable and reducing the need for multiple static production lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The case erector is divided into distinct functional components including a plunger, case opener, and control system. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to handle different case types through coordinated operation of these segmented elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single machine handles both slotted-case and plunger-case erection, then capital investment is reduced, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control circuitry that monitors the position of components and the type of case being processed. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the configuration of the plunger and case opener based on detected case type, reducing the manual complexity of mode switching and making operation easier.
Data Source
AI summary
A case erector may operate in multiple modes. In a slotted-case mode, the case erector may accept and erect slotted cases, while various plunger-case erection components are deactivated. In a plunger-case mode, the case erector may accept and erect plunger cases, while various slotted-case erection components are deactivated.