Packaging Apparatus with Adjustable Support Frame and Erecting Lugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging mechanisms are inefficient as they require converting the packaging setup to accommodate changes in article configurations, patterns, or numbers, which affects overall packaging efficiency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A packaging apparatus that forms a package from a foldable blank while simultaneously loading articles onto the blank, using a support frame with adjustable width and an erecting mechanism with vertically upward moving lugs to form the package around the articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If predetermined packaging blanks are used for articles arranged in predetermined groups, then the packaging process is simple and efficient, but the packaging mechanism cannot accommodate changes in article configuration, pattern, or number
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with adjustable width through movable longitudinal rails that can be repositioned along the frame. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the packaging mechanism to adapt to different article configurations, patterns, and quantities while maintaining continuous packaging operation, thus resolving the contradiction between packaging efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging mechanism enables change of geometric parameters (width, length, configuration) of the support frame to match different packaging requirements. By allowing parameter adjustments without stopping the packaging process, the system maintains high productivity while gaining versatility to handle varying article arrangements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging mechanism is converted to accommodate changing article configurations, then adaptability improves, but the overall packaging efficiency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is pre-designed with adjustable components (movable rails, reconfigurable structure) that can be quickly repositioned without requiring complete mechanism conversion. This preliminary preparation of adjustable features allows rapid adaptation to new configurations while minimizing disruption to packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging mechanism is designed as a universal system where the support frame can serve multiple packaging configurations through its adjustable width and reconfigurable structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated mechanisms for each configuration, maintaining efficiency while providing versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If foldable blanks are provided with score lines and fold-lines to form wall corner portions, then the blank can be erected into a package, but a special tool is required to create fold lines and another folding tool is required to form the package
Solution Approach 1:
The erecting mechanism combines multiple functions into a single device: it provides the upward force to erect side panels, applies bending force to form wall corner portions, and secures joining portions. This merging of erecting, folding, and corner-forming functions into one integrated mechanism reduces the total number of tools required while maintaining ease of package formation
4Ease of operation
If articles are loaded onto already formed packages, then the packaging process is simple, but the process requires assembling blanks first, then receiving articles, and then closing the package
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging mechanism enables continuous in-line operation where foldable blanks are fed continuously, articles are loaded onto blanks in progress, and packages are erected simultaneously in a continuous flow. This eliminates the sequential stop-start nature of traditional processes (form blanks → load articles → close packages) and maintains ease of operation while reducing total processing time
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a packaging apparatus for in-line packaging wrapping of a foldable blank around a receiving load that is simultaneously dropped onto the loading space of the foldable blank. The packaging apparatus includes a support means adapted to receive a supply of one or more foldable blanks. The support means includes a support frame supported onto two or more parallel longitudinal rails positioned generally transversal to a direction of supply of foldable blanks. The apparatus further includes an article loading mechanism to load a group of articles onto a loading space defined onto the foldable blank received onto the support means. The apparatus furthermore includes an erecting mechanism having a plurality of generally spaced apart vertical lugs, positioned onto one or more sides of the support frame, and at a height lower than the height of longitudinal rails such that a vertically upward movement of the lugs engages and erects at least one side of the foldable blank around the articles already loaded onto the foldable blank.