Orthogonal Transfer Packaging System for High Cycle Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for handling articles, such as packaging machines, face limitations in achieving high cycle rates due to the need for large space and restricted timing, as they can only fill one outer packaging at a time, leading to inefficiencies in handling individual or grouped articles.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first conveyor for articles, a second conveyor for outer packaging, and a third conveyor for removing packaged articles, with an insertion surface and transfer devices that allow for simultaneous handling and transfer of multiple outer packaging units, enabling increased cycle rates by independent operation and orthogonal transfer directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional packaging machines fill one outer packaging at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle rateVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging machine is divided into multiple independent working stations (first working station for article insertion, second working station for outer packaging provision, third working station for removal). Each station operates independently to handle different aspects of the packaging process simultaneously, enabling parallel processing and increasing overall productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking conveyors and working stations at different heights. The first conveyor is arranged above the second conveyor, with the insertion surface positioned between them. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple packaging operations to occur simultaneously in different spatial planes, dramatically increasing cycle rate while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple outer packaging units are handled simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle rateVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging conveyors and working stations at different heights. The first conveyor is positioned above the second conveyor, with the insertion surface located between them. This three-dimensional configuration allows multiple packaging operations to occur simultaneously without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby increasing productivity while controlling space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the insertion surface is positioned within the vertical space between the first and second conveyors. The second conveyor is arranged below the insertion surface, creating a compact vertical stacking configuration. This nesting of functional elements in the vertical dimension enables simultaneous handling of multiple outer packaging units while minimizing the overall machine footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of time

If sequential article insertion into outer packaging is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of time increases due to waiting periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging process is segmented into independent working stations that operate in parallel. The first working station inserts articles into outer packaging while the second working station simultaneously provides empty outer packaging and the third working station simultaneously removes filled packages. This segmentation eliminates sequential waiting periods and improves timing efficiency without requiring overly complex coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation by having multiple working stations perform useful actions simultaneously. While one station is inserting articles, another is providing empty packaging, and a third is removing filled packages. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle waiting periods and maximizes productivity, with the independent station design keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3012199B1Device and method for handling items
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 KRONES AG
  • EP3012199B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A device (01) and a method for handling articles (02) are described. The device (01) comprises: - a first conveying means (03) for feeding articles (02), - a second conveying means (04) for feeding outer packaging (05), - a third conveying means (06) for transporting outer packaging (07) containing articles (02), and - an insertion area (08) arranged between the first conveying means (03) and the second conveying means (04), formed by a section (62, 60) of the third conveying means (06), as well as - a transfer device (09) for transferring fed outer packaging (05) from the second conveying means (04) to the insertion area (08), and - a transfer device (10) for transferring articles (02) from the first conveying means (03) into outer packaging (08) transferred onto the insertion area (08).The process involves inserting articles (02) supplied in one or more streams of closed and/or gapped sequences and/or groups into outer packagings (05) provided on a placement surface (08), which in turn are themselves supplied independently of the articles (02) in a transport direction (41) and transferred individually or in groups transversely to the transport direction (41) onto the placement surface (08), in order to be transported from there, after the insertion of articles (02) and independently of the supply of articles (02) and independently of the supply of outer packagings (05), now equipped with the articles (02) inserted into them, parallel to the transport direction (41) in the direction of the transport direction (41) or opposite to it.