Automated Package Closure via Interlocking Tab and Notch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for closing folded packages without glue or adhesive tape are difficult to automate, leading to increased production time and costs, and do not ensure the same sealing performance as glue or tape-based systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus and method for closing a folded package using an interlocking closure system, which includes a pusher with a movable partition to facilitate the interlocking of a closing tab into a notch, ensuring a secure and reliable closure without the need for glues or tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an interlocking closure system without glue or tape is used, then the packaging becomes fully recyclable and material costs are reduced, but the closure system becomes difficult to automate and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction between the closing tab and the notch. The pushing element simply provides the initial force to overcome friction, after which the interlocking mechanism itself completes the closing action without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is divided into distinct functional elements: the closing tab with adhesive, the notch receiving structure, and the pushing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling simple automated actuation while maintaining recyclability
2Device complexity
If manual closure operation is used for interlocking systems, then automation complexity is reduced, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing tab and notch are designed to automatically complete the interlocking action once initiated. The pushing element only needs to provide brief actuation force, and the remainder of the closing process occurs automatically through the mechanical interaction of the interlocking components
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system incorporates dynamic elements including the movable closing tab that rotates into the notch, and the elastic deformation of cardboard flaps during the closing process. This dynamic behavior enables rapid closure operation that can be easily automated
3Object-generated harmful factors
If known interlocking closure systems are used, then glue and tape are eliminated, but sealing performance and resistance to opening are insufficient compared to glued systems
Solution Approach 1:
The closing tab is pre-coated with adhesive material during the box manufacturing process. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures that when the tab engages with the notch, the sealing action is immediately effective, providing reliability comparable to traditional glued systems
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system combines mechanical interlocking (cardboard tab and notch structures) with chemical bonding (adhesive material). This composite approach provides both the structural integrity of mechanical interlocking and the sealing performance of adhesive bonding, achieving reliability equivalent to traditional glued systems
4Reliability
If adhesive material is applied to the closing tab, then sealing performance is improved, but the package is no longer fully recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material is applied in controlled quantities and with specific formulation characteristics that allow it to be removed during recycling processes. The amount and type of adhesive are optimized to provide sufficient sealing performance while minimizing interference with recycling operations
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (80) for closing a folded package (4) without the use of gluing means, comprising means (84) for retaining the package (4) in a folded configuration, the package (4) comprising at least one rear flap (8) and at least one front flap (12), superimposed onto the rear flap (8), on the opposite side of a containment volume (16) delimited by the package (4), wherein the retaining means (84) comprise at least one lateral bracket (88) that interfaces with the front flap (12) and at least one locking device (76) of said rear flap (8), so as to maintain said front (12) and rear (8) flaps locked in a position of mutual contact, at least one pusher (92) having an actuation stroke adapted to move a closing tab (44) of the front flap (12), hinged along a closing line (52), towards the rear flap (8) so as to interlock said closing tab (44) within a notch (40) on the rear flap (8), said pusher (92) being provided with a front protrusion (96) that is forward of a front wall (100). The actuation stroke of the pusher (92) is of the linear type and parallel to a longitudinal extension axis (L-L) of the pusher (92). The front protrusion (96) is provided with a movable partition (108) capable of passing from a closed configuration, wherein it is adhered to said front protrusion (96), to an open configuration, wherein it moves away from the front protrusion (96) so as to protrude transversely with respect to the front protrusion (96), along a sectional plane perpendicular to said longitudinal extension axis (L-L) of the pusher (92).