Packaging Machine Bottom-Up Stacking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines are limited by slow lift/lower systems and lack of versatility, which restricts their speed and ability to handle products of varying sizes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a stacking mechanism using pairs of arms connected by hinges, allowing layers to be stacked from the bottom up and rotated to accommodate different product sizes, enabling faster operation and flexible handling of various product configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lift/lower system is used to stack product layers, then products can be arranged in groups, but the system speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting the stacked group upward layer by layer, the invention inverts the approach by stacking layers from the bottom up. The arms receive layers sequentially and build the stack downward, with the completed group then being pushed forward. This inversion eliminates the slow lift/lower cycle and achieves higher packaging speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic arms that can move between different positions to receive layers, stack them, and then push the completed group forward. The arms transition from a stacking position to a pushing position, creating a continuous dynamic cycle that improves productivity compared to static lift/lower systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lift/lower system is used, then layers can be stacked, but versatility for different product sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing them to adapt to different product sizes and configurations. The arms can be repositioned along the conveying path and adjusted in their stacking motion to accommodate various product dimensions, eliminating the need for complex changeover operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking mechanism is designed with universal capabilities to handle different product types and sizes using the same arms and conveyor system. The system can switch between different packaging configurations without requiring dedicated fixtures or complex reconfiguration, achieving multi-functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A product packaging machine comprises a conveyor (4) for feeding the products along an axis (D) in a feed direction (V); a grouping station (5) for the products (3) located downstream of the conveyor (4) along the feed direction (V) for grouping the products (3) into a group (2) of products (3); the group (2) has at least a first and a second layer (6, 7) of products (3); at the grouping station (5), the machine (1) comprises stacking means (11), by which at least the first and the second layer (6, 7) are stacked from the bottom up; more specifically, the stacking means (11) raise the first layer (6) from the bottom up and stack the second layer (7) from below, under the first layer (6).