Packaging Device Manipulator and Supporting Beam Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems require significant space and interrupt the processing chain due to the need for separate machines to apply bottle clips, leading to potential malfunctions and inefficiencies in combining containers into packs.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device and method that uses a manipulator and supporting beams to apply packaging material to article groups in a continuous process, forming packs by accelerating and stabilizing articles with a supporting beam or pushing beam, allowing for precise positioning and application without additional sensors, and guiding the packaging material along a circulating path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate stand-alone machines are used to apply bottle clips, then the packaging process can be performed, but the machine requires a lot of space and interrupts the processing chain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process reliabilityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bottle clip application function with the existing packaging machine by integrating a manipulating device that can apply bottle clips to article groups during the continuous conveying process. This eliminates the need for separate stand-alone machines, reduces space requirements, and maintains processing chain continuity while ensuring reliable packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulating device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both conveying article groups and applying bottle clips to them. This universal device performs multiple functions within a single integrated system, reducing the number of separate machines needed and simplifying the overall machine structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple modules are used to produce packs, then the packaging function can be achieved, but malfunctions may occur due to the numerous modules required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepack production capabilityVSAvoidsystem malfunction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bottle clip application function into the existing packaging machine's conveying system, reducing the number of separate modules from multiple independent machines to a single integrated system. This reduction in module count directly lowers the risk of malfunctions while maintaining the ability to produce packs efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If articles are grouped and then processed by separate bottle clip machines, then bottle clips can be applied, but the processing chain is interrupted and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebottle clip applicationVSAvoidprocessing chain interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by integrating the bottle clip application into the continuous conveying process. Article groups are conveyed and packaged without interruption, eliminating the need to stop the processing chain for separate bottle clip application, thus saving time and maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulating device is positioned and configured to apply bottle clips to article groups during their natural conveyance through the machine. This preliminary integration allows bottle clips to be applied as part of the continuous process rather than as a subsequent separate operation, eliminating processing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If stand-alone machines are installed, then packaging can be performed, but significant space is required within the machine hall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging functionVSAvoidmachine hall space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bottle clip application function into the existing packaging machine's footprint, eliminating the need for additional stand-alone machines. This integration significantly reduces the space required in the machine hall while maintaining all necessary packaging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230130558A1Packaging device and method for packaging articles

Publication Date: 2023.04.27 KRONES AG

AI summary

A packaging device (1) for producing packs each comprising several articles is disclosed. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one horizontal conveying device and at least one manipulator (25, 35). Article groups are moved via the at least one horizontal conveying device into a working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35). The at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed to combine respective articles of a respective article group, which are moved into its working area (AP1, AP2) via the at least one horizontal conveying device, and for this purpose can apply at least one packaging material (40) to the respective article group.Furthermore, the packaging device (1) comprises at least one supporting beam and/or pushing beam provided for rear-side contact with a respective article group, which at least one supporting beam and/or pushing beam provided for rear-side contact with a respective article group is guided along a preferably circulating movement path, which preferably circulating movement path runs through the working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35).