Packaging Robot Tool Holder Layout for Fast Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging robots face inefficiencies during format changes, requiring extensive conversions and reduced throughput when switching between different tool head configurations, such as from three to four tool heads or vice versa, which limits flexibility and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A packaging robot with a bridge and multiple tool holders that can move horizontally, allowing for relative movement and configuration changes without replacing the bridge, enabling tool heads to switch between active and standby modes, thus accommodating various packaging formats without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the packaging robot uses a fixed number of tool heads (e.g., exactly three or four), then the packaging process can be optimized for that specific format, but the system lacks flexibility when format changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tool holder configuration where the number of active tool holders can be changed during operation. The bridge can accommodate different numbers of tool holders (e.g., 3, 4, or 5) depending on the packaging format required, allowing the system to adapt dynamically between different packaging configurations without physical reconfiguration or replacement of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging robot is reconfigured for a different packaging format, then adaptability is improved, but the system requires replacement of the entire bridge or tool holders, increasing device complexity and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool holding function into independent, interchangeable tool holders that can be selectively positioned on the bridge. Each tool holder is an independent unit that can be individually activated or deactivated based on the required packaging format, allowing flexible reconfiguration without replacing the entire bridge structure or all tool holders simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different numbers of tool holders (3, 4, or 5) through a standardized interface system. This universal design allows the same bridge structure to support various packaging configurations, eliminating the need for format-specific bridge replacements.
3Device complexity
If the packaging robot continues to operate with its current tool head configuration, then device complexity is maintained, but productivity is significantly reduced due to format mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simple device architecture while enabling dynamic adjustment of the number of active tool holders. The bridge can selectively activate or deactivate specific tool holder positions based on the current packaging format requirements, allowing the system to optimize throughput for different formats without increasing overall system complexity or requiring multiple dedicated bridges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A packaging robot for items such as beverage containers or the like is disclosed. The packaging robot comprises a bridge (3) and at least two tool holders (5) arranged on the bridge, wherein the at least two tool holders (7) arranged on the bridge (3) are each movable along the bridge (3) and can each accommodate a tool head (7). It is provided that at least one of the at least two tool holders (5) arranged on the bridge (3) can be selectively equipped with a respective tool head (7) to suit the respective packaging process to be carried out.It is also provided that at least one of the at least two tool holders (5) can switch to a stand-by mode while remaining on the bridge (3), provided that the respective packaging process to be carried out by the packaging robot does not require the at least one tool holder (5) to be fitted with a tool head (7).