Packaging Apparatus for Thin Body Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high logistic costs associated with transporting and packaging thin wall containers, particularly for foodstuffs like creams, yoghurt, and fruit juices, are a significant challenge due to the existing manufacturing and packaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilizes a production and packaging apparatus featuring a chain with loading units and a tip-up unit to efficiently transport and package flexible containers, allowing for upright and upside-down positioning, which significantly reduces transport costs by increasing the number of containers per unit volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional packaging methods are used for thin wall containers, then the containers can be packaged and transported, but the transport costs are significantly high due to low space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes both upright and upside-down positioning of containers within the same packaging space, effectively using the vertical dimension to double the packing density. Containers are arranged in alternating orientations to optimize space utilization in the transport box.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system divides containers into different groups based on their orientation (upright vs. upside-down) and processes them separately through different loading mechanisms. The chain conveyor system segments the loading process into distinct phases for different container orientations.
2Ease of manufacture
If containers are manufactured by a first company and then transported to the producing company, then the production process can be separated, but the logistic costs significantly influence the overall cost
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing vertical space through upright and inverted container positioning, the patent increases the quantity of containers per transport unit, directly reducing logistic costs while maintaining the separated production model.
3Quantity of substance
If more containers are packed into a cardboard box, then transport costs are reduced, but the packaging device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain conveyor system with loading units serves multiple functions: it transports containers, positions them in different orientations, and loads them into the cardboard box. This multi-functional approach increases packing capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging device uses gravity and the container's own weight to facilitate the tipping and positioning actions. The tip-up unit leverages the container's center of gravity to automatically orient containers during the packaging process, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for packaging thin body containers comprises transport means, a tip-up unit (21), auxiliary guides (30), an unloading zone (58) and movement means suitable for cooperating with the tip-up unit (21) in the unloading configuration and with the auxiliary guides in the active configuration, to move the containers towards the unloading area (58).