Pack Serialization and Container Traceability at High Packaging Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to enable tracing and serializing individual blister packs and stickpacks before they are grouped and packed in containers due to high production velocities and packaging machine configurations that hinder code reading.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using conveyor systems with detection and gripping mechanisms to read and memorize product codes, form groups, and apply tracing codes to containers based on product codes, allowing traceability of specific packs within containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high production velocity is maintained, then productivity is improved, but the ability to read and identify reference codes on packages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies reference codes to the packaging material before the packaging process. The codes are applied in advance on the blister packs or stickpacks, allowing them to be read later during the high-velocity packaging operation without requiring code application at the critical packaging moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of reading devices (such as optical scanners) that act as mediators between the moving packages and the control system. These intermediaries capture and transmit code information despite the high speed of package movement through the packaging line.
2Productivity
If packaging machines are configured for high-speed operation, then productivity is improved, but the ability to trace individual packs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the traceability function in advance by applying unique reference codes to individual packs before they enter the high-speed packaging line. This preliminary coding enables later identification and tracing of specific packs through the container without requiring slow-down or special configuration of the packaging machine.
3Loss of information
If reference codes are applied on packages, then traceability is improved, but the complexity of the packaging system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packaging system into distinct functional modules: a first conveyor for receiving and transporting packs, a second conveyor for grouping and positioning, and a printing device for code application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining traceability capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The method for managing the serialisation and tracing of packs of products, which are to be gathered in groups of packs to be inserted in respective containers, comprises: picking up, from a first conveyor means (1), a first series of packs of products (P) for which a respective series of reference codes (a, b, c) present thereon has been collected and memorised, and forming a group (P1, P2) of packs of products internally of a seat (21, 22) of the second conveyor means (2), memorising the position of the seat (21, 22) on the second conveyor means (2) and transferring the seat (21, 22) to a transfer station (ST); using a third conveyor means (3) for transferring a container (A1, A2) into the transfer station (ST) and transferring the group (P1, P2) of packs of products for which the reference codes have been memorised from the seat (21, 22) of the conveyor means (2) into the container (A1, A2), The method further comprises, before or after transferring the group (P1, P2) of packs of products into the second container (A1, A2), applying on the container (A1 A2) a tracing code bearing a datum representing the reference codes which had been memorised and which are present in the packs of products of the second group (P1, P2) of packs of products.