Automated Manipulator for Packaging Format Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices require cumbersome and time-consuming manual adjustments to adapt wrapping rods and dividing elements to conveyor chains for different packaging processes, often resulting in errors such as incorrect pitch distances and stuck components.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device equipped with a manipulator system that can independently fix and reposition format parts on revolving conveying means with a defined spacing, utilizing a control device and holding means produced via three-dimensional printing, allowing for automated adjustment and secure attachment of wrapping rods and dividing elements on conveyor chains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of wrapping rods and dividing elements is used, then adaptability to different packaging processes is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different packaging processesVSAvoidtime consumption for conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the manipulator automatically adjusts and repositions format parts on conveyor chains based on control device instructions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while adapting to different packaging configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced by an automated manipulator system controlled by a control device, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems that can precisely position format parts without time-consuming manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reattachment of format parts is performed, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect pitch distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different packaging processesVSAvoidpitch distance accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives information about the defined spacing requirements and uses this feedback to automatically calculate and execute the precise positioning of format parts, ensuring accurate pitch distances are maintained during conversions between different packaging configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual positioning operations that lack precision are replaced by automated manipulator positioning controlled by a control device that can accurately interpret and execute spacing requirements, eliminating human error in pitch distance measurement and application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual conversion operations are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of conversion operationsVSAvoidconversion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service automated conversions where the manipulator and control device work together to automatically reconfigure format parts on conveyor chains, eliminating the need for manual conversion operations while significantly increasing conversion speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3549877B1Packaging device and method for adapt and/or equip a packaging device

Publication Date: 2021.01.20 KRONES AG

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AI summary

A packaging device (1) for articles (5) such as beverage containers or the like is disclosed. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one continuously driven conveyor (24) and several format parts (8) that can be fixed to the at least one continuously driven conveyor (24). The packaging device (1) further comprises at least one manipulator (50, 50') designed for handling format parts (8), which is configured to automatically fix the several format parts (8) to the at least one continuously driven conveyor (24) at a defined interval. The invention also relates to a method for converting and/or equipping a packaging device (1). In this method, several format parts are provided.Furthermore, the method provides for securing the several provided format parts (8) to at least one continuously driven conveying means (24, 32) with a defined pitch distance (TA), which is designed as part of a packaging device (1). At least one manipulator (50, 50') designed for handling format parts (8) is provided, which independently secures the provided format parts (8) to the at least one continuously driven conveying means (24, 32) with the defined pitch distance.