Packaging Device Manipulator Top Loading Lateral Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging methods for beverage containers lack flexibility and variability, requiring additional packaging devices that increase cost and space requirements, and do not efficiently adapt to different packaging processes.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device with integrated manipulators and conveyors that can switch between applying outer packaging from above and laterally, using a single device to accommodate various packaging processes, with adaptable conveyor widths and modular magazines for different packaging types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple packaging devices are used to handle different packaging processes, then packaging process versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging process versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is designed with a manipulator that can perform multiple packaging operations including applying outer packaging from above, lateral insertion of articles, and handling different packaging materials. The device can switch between different packaging processes using the same manipulator with different working tools, eliminating the need for separate dedicated packaging devices for each process type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable conveyor widths and interchangeable working tools on the manipulator, allowing dynamic adaptation to different packaging requirements. The conveyor width can be adjusted to accommodate various article sizes and packaging configurations, while working tools can be exchanged to perform different packaging operations such as top loading or lateral insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional packaging devices are purchased for different packaging processes, then packaging process capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging process capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device consolidates multiple packaging process capabilities into a single device through a programmable manipulator that can execute different packaging operations. This eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate packaging devices for different processes, reducing capital expenditure and operational costs while maintaining full packaging process capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device merges multiple packaging functions including outer packaging application, article insertion, and conveyor operations into a single integrated system. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate devices, the invention reduces overall equipment cost while providing comprehensive packaging process capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If packaging devices are installed in limited space, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device performs multiple packaging operations including outer packaging application, article insertion, and conveyor operations within a single compact unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices that would consume more space, achieving efficient space utilization while providing comprehensive packaging capability through integrated operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If packaging processes are changed to accommodate different article types, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases due to conversion time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device features adjustable conveyor widths and interchangeable working tools that can be quickly configured for different packaging requirements. The programmable manipulator can be reprogrammed to execute different packaging sequences, allowing rapid adaptation to new article types or packaging processes without extensive conversion time, thereby maintaining high productivity while achieving greater adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging device allows adjustment of operational parameters including conveyor speed, conveyor width, and manipulator motion paths to accommodate different article types and packaging configurations. These parameter changes enable quick adaptation to new packaging requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or extensive downtime, thus preserving productivity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3533718B1Method for packaging articles
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 KRONES AG
  • EP3533718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A packaging device (1) for articles such as beverage containers or the like is disclosed. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one transport device (3) for articles and at least one manipulator. Articles can be moved into a working area of ​​the at least one manipulator via the at least one transport device. It is provided that, as part of a first packaging process, the at least one manipulator can apply a respective outer packaging from above onto articles moved into its working area and/or, as part of the first packaging process, place articles onto a respective outer packaging from above. Furthermore, a second packaging process is provided for the packaging device (1), which second packaging process comprises the lateral insertion of articles into a respective outer packaging, a process not provided for in the first packaging process.