Packaging Material Reference Marks for Opening Device Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems face issues with improper application of opening devices due to misalignment of packages on conveyor belts, leading to defective packages where the opening device is not correctly positioned or applied at all.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating detectable reference marks on the packaging material that align with creasing patterns, allowing an applying device equipped with a detecting unit to ensure accurate alignment and correct application of the opening device by comparing detected marks with a reference direction, and adjusting the package or applying element as necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are conveyed on a conveyor belt for opening device application, then productivity is improved, but misalignment occurs leading to improper application of opening devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidopening device alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a sensor device (camera) that detects the position of packages and generates control signals to adjusting means. This feedback loop continuously monitors package position on the conveyor belt and automatically corrects misalignment by adjusting the conveyor belt position or the applying element position, ensuring precise opening device application while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual alignment operations with an automated optical detection and mechanical adjustment system. The sensor device (optical field) detects package position, and the control system automatically adjusts the mechanical position of either the conveyor belt or applying element, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining consistent precision at high speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment is used to ensure correct opening device application, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening device alignmentVSAvoidpackaging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment through automated detection and adjustment. The sensor device automatically detects package position, the control system processes this information, and the adjusting means automatically corrects any misalignment without requiring manual intervention, enabling both high precision and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes positional parameters of either the conveyor belt or applying element based on real-time detection. The control system adjusts the position coordinates automatically, transforming a static manual alignment process into a dynamic automated system that maintains precision while increasing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2944458B1Sheet of packaging material for producing a container and method for producing containers
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP2944458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944458B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2944458B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sheet of packaging material suitable for being folded, filled with a product and sealed so as to form a package (10), comprises a receiving region (7) intended to receive an opening device (12) of said package (10) attached thereon, said sheet of packaging material further comprises two reference marks (14) detectable by a detecting unit (23) of an applying device (24) arranged for applying said opening device (10) on said receiving region (7); a method for producing a package (10) comprises the steps of folding, filling and sealing a sheet of packaging material (1) to obtain said package (10), said sheet of packaging material (1) comprising a receiving region (7) intended to receive an opening device (12) of said package (10) attached thereon, said sheet of packaging material (10) further comprising two reference marks (14), the method further comprises the step of detecting said reference marks (14) and selecting a subsequent action to be performed on said package (10) and/or said opening device (12) on the basis of the detected position of said reference marks (14).