Packaging Machine Gripper System with Automatic Component Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines with gripper systems face inefficiencies in automatically setting operating parameters, leading to unsatisfactory process times and underutilization of machine power due to the need to assume the largest possible component dimensions and use safety values.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a gripper system that includes movable components with identifiers, allowing for automatic collision space calculation and control of movements, enabling precise adjustment of process times and paths based on actual component dimensions and compatibility, and utilizing sensors for contactless identification and data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety values and worst-case scenario assumptions are used for component dimensions, then reliability is improved, but process times increase and machine power is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable components self-identify through markings that the sensor automatically reads, enabling the control system to automatically determine actual dimensions and calculate precise collision spaces without manual intervention or conservative assumptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement and manual configuration with an optical/electronic sensing system that automatically reads markings on components and uses the control system to calculate collision spaces, enabling precise timing without safety margins
2Reliability
If conservative timing with safety margins is used, then reliability is improved, but machine power utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment where the control system calculates precise collision spaces based on actual component dimensions and coordinates movements dynamically, allowing components to move as soon as their specific collision spaces permit rather than waiting for conservative fixed timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (timing, speeds) based on the actual dimensions read from component markings, allowing optimization of machine power utilization for each specific component configuration
3Device complexity
If manual configuration and parameter setting are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Interchangeable components self-configure by carrying markings that automatically identify them to the control system, which then automatically retrieves or calculates the appropriate parameters, eliminating manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Manual parameter setting is replaced with automatic sensor-based identification and control system-based parameter determination, where the sensor reads markings and the control system automatically configures operational parameters
4Device complexity
If fixed component dimensions are assumed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system and control system serve multiple functions: identifying component type, reading markings, determining dimensions, calculating collision spaces, and coordinating movements, enabling a single system to handle diverse interchangeable components
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the actual dimensions and characteristics of each interchangeable component, enabling the same machine to safely and efficiently handle various component types
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 allows for significant reduction in process times by optimizing movement coordination and eliminating the need for safety value assumptions, thereby fully utilizing machine power and enabling efficient handling of various packaging formats.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to read the marking without physical contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Packaging machine (1) with a work station (3), a feeder (13), a discharge conveyor (15), a control system (33) and a gripper system (17), wherein the gripper system (17) comprises a gripper (19, 21) to move packaging trays (9) into and/or out of the work station (3), and the gripper (19, 21) comprises a first and a second gripper arm (37, 39) for grasping the packaging trays (9).The workstation (3) further comprises a tool upper part (5) and a tool lower part (7), one or both of which are movable to open and close the workstation (3), and the workstation (3) comprises one or more interchangeable format parts (36) to process packaging trays (9) of different sizes or formats, wherein at least one of the tool upper part (5), the tool lower part (7), the gripper (19, 21), the gripper arms (37, 39) and the format parts (36) has a marking (29) and the control system (33) is configured to automatically read the marking (29) by means of a sensor (31), to perform a collision space calculation and to automatically control the packaging machine (1), in particular the movement of at least one movable component (5, 7, 19, 21, 23, 36, 37, 39), depending on the collision space calculation.