Foldable Package Flap Closing in Tight Conveyor Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guiding and deflecting systems for closing foldable packages, such as folding boxes or trays, are not always feasible in limited installation spaces due to package size and fragility, making it difficult to fold the bottom and top flaps effectively.
Innovation Solution
A closing device with movable push-in bars and support elements that fold the flaps towards the frame, even in constrained spaces, by using a conveying device with receivers, support surfaces, and push-in bars that move parallel to the transverse direction to guide the flaps into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stationary guiding or deflecting means are used to fold the bottom and top flaps, then the flaps can be closed, but the installation space required in the conveying direction becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing stationary guiding and deflecting means with actively movable push-in bars that move cyclically along a defined movement path. The push-in bars are movable in the first transverse direction to push the package and fold the flaps towards the frame, enabling reliable closure within limited installation space. This dynamic approach allows the closing action to occur without requiring extensive stationary structures in the conveying direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dimensionality change by utilizing movement in the first transverse direction (perpendicular to conveying direction) rather than relying solely on the conveying direction. The push-in bars move parallel to the first transverse direction to push the package and fold the flaps, effectively using a different spatial dimension to achieve the closing function while minimizing the required installation space in the conveying direction.
2Ease of operation
If the bottom and top flaps are arranged on support surfaces spaced apart from the bearing surface, then the flaps can be folded towards the frame, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements serve multiple functions: they provide support surfaces for the flaps, define the initial position of the package, and work in conjunction with the push-in bars to enable the folding action. By making the support elements multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for flap folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device is segmented into distinct functional components: receivers for holding packages, support elements for positioning flaps, and push-in bars for executing the folding action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, making the overall device manageable in terms of complexity despite the multiple elements involved.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for closing foldable packages and a closing device has a first support element having a first support surface on which a bottom flap of a package can be arranged, and a second support element having a second support surface on which a top flap of the package can be arranged. A first push-in bar and a second push-in bar of the closing device are moveable along a movement path which has in some portions a component parallel to a first transverse direction in order to push the package in the first transverse direction. By doing so, the bottom flap and the top flap are folded towards a frame of the package.