Packaging Machine Grouping Device Transverse Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in efficiently forming groups of products with different orientations to achieve high packing density, particularly when products partially overlap, which increases complexity and weight, reducing robot efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a grouping device featuring a spreader table with adjustable support bars and a method that allows products to be arranged in a multi-row, single-layer group with partial overlap, using a combination of single-row and double-row support bars that can be moved transversely to achieve the desired packing configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If products are arranged in a multi-row, single-layer group with partial overlap to achieve high packing density, then packing density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grouping device is segmented into multiple support bars (single-row and double-row) that can be independently positioned. Each support bar handles a specific row of products, allowing complex multi-row overlapping arrangements to be built from simpler modular components rather than requiring a monolithic complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars are made dynamically adjustable in their transverse positioning. By moving support bars between different transverse positions, the same hardware configuration can create different overlapping patterns and row arrangements, reducing the need for multiple fixed complex structures for different packing configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If support bars are made adjustable in transverse position to enable different packing configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each support bar is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions: holding single rows of products, being positioned at different transverse locations, and working in combination with other support bars to create various multi-row configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing the transverse position parameter of support bars rather than changing the physical structure. By adjusting the position parameter of existing support bars, different packing configurations are achieved without adding structural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spreader table with multiple drives is used to adjust transverse spacing of support bars, then grouping flexibility is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented so that each support bar has its own independent drive mechanism. This segmentation allows for distributed weight and simplifies the overall drive architecture compared to a centralized multi-drive system, making each individual drive component lighter while maintaining collective functionality
4Measurement precision
If the number of drives in the spreader table is increased to enable precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent drives on support bars, where each drive provides sufficient positioning capability for its specific support bar. This partial redundancy ensures that precise positioning is achieved for each component independently, and the system can function with partial drive operation if needed
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The packaging machine according to the invention can not only produce two-dimensional groups on the spreading tables from products fed in a normal, upright position, with products alternating in both directions, upright and upside down, inverted, products, which are in particular each mounted on a rail-guided carriage, but these, for example, eight rows of seats on the spreading table, which are distributed on six support rails, can be selectively moved in the stationary spreading station into discharge sets of products with two, three or four rows by means of the spreading table, wherein the rows of a discharge set are located at an overlap distance from each other, in that the products resting on these seats overlap each other in the transverse direction, but a non-overlap distance is maintained between the discharge sets in the transverse direction in order to, for example,to be able to transfer two removal sets one after the other into boxes using the same removal robot on a spreading table.