Packaging Manipulator Integrating Printing With Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher product throughput and precision in packaging machines conflicts with the need for additional treatment steps, such as labeling and printing, which reduce processing speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize manipulators to precisely position and treat articles with printing ink before packaging, allowing for high-precision placement into outer packaging while enabling direct printing and application of markings without interrupting the packaging process, using a combination of gripper heads and stationary print heads for multi-color printing and marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional treatment steps such as labeling and printing are added to the packaging process, then the external appearance and design quality of containers is improved, but the processing speed and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing station with the packaging station into a single integrated unit. The manipulator that transfers containers to outer packaging also positions them for printing, and the printing occurs within the same operational cycle. This merging eliminates the need for separate printing and packaging operations, allowing both functions to occur simultaneously without reducing overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by performing printing and packaging in an integrated flow. Containers are transferred to outer packaging and printed within the same continuous cycle, without interruption or separate handling steps. The manipulator continuously moves containers between positions while the printing head continuously applies ink, ensuring uninterrupted productive action throughout the process.
2Productivity
If handling speed is increased to improve productivity, then the throughput is improved, but the positioning precision for printing and labeling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with a computer-controlled manipulator that uses detection systems and control algorithms to achieve precise positioning. The manipulator is equipped with sensors and feedback mechanisms that allow it to accurately locate and position containers for printing at high speeds, substituting mechanical precision with electronically controlled precision that can maintain accuracy regardless of speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection systems to create a digital representation or model of the container positions and characteristics before physical manipulation. This allows the control system to plan and execute precise positioning movements in advance, ensuring that even at high speeds, each container is accurately positioned for printing and packaging without trial-and-error adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate printing stations are added to the packaging line, then the design capability is improved, but the device complexity and handling effort are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator serves multiple functions: it transfers containers to outer packaging, positions containers for printing, and coordinates with the printing head. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require separate specialized equipment for each task. The printing head is also multi-functional, capable of printing on containers whether they are being transferred or held in position, eliminating the need for dedicated printing stations for different packaging scenarios.
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
Maintains high processing speed and precision by integrating printing and marking directly into the packaging process, ensuring articles are ready-filled and labeled without reducing throughput, and allowing for individualized batch designs.
Implementation Method 1
The gripper head (30) in this context can, for example, be equipped with controllable suction grippers (34) with which the articles (14), containers (16) or bottles can be grasped in their head area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A method for packaging and/or bundling articles (14) by combining several articles (14) into containers and/or transferring several articles (14) into outer packaging (22) is disclosed. In the method, at least one group of articles is picked up by a manipulator (28) and fed to a packaging and/or container-forming station (10) and/or inserted into a waiting outer packaging (22). It is provided that at least one of the articles (14) picked up by the manipulator (28) is, before being transferred to the packaging and/or container-forming station (10) or before being inserted into the waiting outer packaging (22), coated at least at one point on its outer surface with printing ink and/or a permanently adhering coating and/or provided with at least one accessory element adhering to the outside of the at least one article (14).In addition to the method, a packaging and/or container formation device (10) is also disclosed, which is particularly suitable for carrying out the method.