Automated Package Overprinting via Suction Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overprinting processes for packages, particularly those described in patents FR.2,739,805 and FR.2,790,996, are limited by their reliance on rotary machines with two stations, which restricts production speed and efficiency, allowing for only 1000 pieces per hour.
Innovation Solution
An automated process utilizing an automation line with an unstacker, print head, drying tunnel, and restacker, where boxes are manipulated by a suction circuit and suction cups, enabling direct printing on cut-out, folded, and preglued boxes, and using sliding stages for axial and lengthwise movement of the print head to increase production speed and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual manipulation with tongs or clamps is used, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but production speed is limited to 1000 pieces per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation (tongs or clamps) with a suction-based automated system. Suction cups create vacuum pressure to grasp and position boxes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical grippers and manual operation while achieving both high speed and precision positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic suction cups to manipulate boxes throughout the printing process. The suction circuit uses vacuum pressure to pick up, transport, and position boxes on the printing plate, providing automated high-speed handling without complex mechanical structures.
2Productivity
If rotary machines with two stations are used, then printing operation is simplified, but production rate is restricted to 1000 pieces per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rotary machine with fixed two stations to a dynamic linear system where the printing plate moves continuously. Boxes are fed sequentially and printed in a linear progression, allowing faster throughput while maintaining operational simplicity through automated plate movement and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process is segmented into distinct phases: box feeding, positioning on the plate, printing, and ejection. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the suction system handling feeding and positioning while the print head handles printing, achieving high speed without complexity.
3Productivity
If automated suction system is implemented, then production speed increases to 3600 impressions per hour, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups serve multiple functions throughout the process: picking up boxes from the stack, positioning them on the printing plate, holding them during printing, and ejecting them after printing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, minimizing device complexity while achieving high productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables overprinting of four to five times more pieces per hour by automating the process, allowing precise and rapid selection and printing of boxes, eliminating manual manipulation and enabling printing on any location, with a printing rate of 3600 impressions per hour.
Implementation Method 1
manipulation of said boxes is done by a suction circuit and suction cups
Data Source
AI summary
Method for overprinting already printed packages includes preparing a raster or steel magnetic block which is provided with a clamping plate, wherein the block is engraved with the aid of a jet etching device and represents new texts or patterns which are applicable by tampon printing using specific inks on a located existing and already printed part of a box, drying, verifying and packing the box. The method is used for overprinting and includes masking an undesired area by printing a blanking pavement and afterwards by overprinting a desired text, instruction or a pattern thereon and uses an automatic line including a de-stacker (3) for automatically feeding boxes, at least one printing head (1), at least one drying tunnel (4) and at least one restacker (5).