Packaging Transport Module for Automated Format Part Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport modules require manual and time-consuming adjustments to change format parts like lane plates or wedges for creating different bundles of articles, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transport module with a handling device, such as an industrial robot or delta kinematic robot, integrated into the module to automatically and quickly arrange or remove format parts like lane plates and wedge-shaped guide elements, allowing for seamless conversion between different bundle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of format parts is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport module performs its own format part adjustments through an integrated handling device, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. The system is self-sufficient in reconfiguring its own format parts to adapt to different packaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced by an automated handling device that can quickly position, remove, and install format parts. This substitution of manual labor with automated mechanical systems resolves the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If format parts are manually removed and repositioned, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is pre-integrated into the transport module structure, with components and mechanisms already in place to facilitate rapid format part changes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming aspects of manual reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device acts as an intermediary between the control system and the format parts, automating the intermediate steps of removal, transport, and repositioning. This intermediary mechanism enables quick adaptation without direct manual intervention, reducing conversion time while preserving versatility.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment is used, then device complexity is lower, but reliability decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling device incorporates control systems that can detect the position and status of format parts, providing feedback to ensure accurate placement and configuration. This feedback mechanism eliminates human error while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual adjustment operations are replaced by automated mechanical systems with precise control, eliminating variability and errors associated with human operation. The automation system provides consistent, repeatable actions that improve reliability while the integrated design keeps overall complexity manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport module (1) for packaging items such as beverage containers or the like is disclosed. The transport module (1) comprises a horizontal conveying section (3) and several format parts (6) which can be arranged in the area of the at least one horizontal conveying section (3) so that the items are guided over the respective format parts (6) during their movement. The transport module (1) also includes a handling device (10) which is designed for independently arranging format parts (6) in the area of the horizontal conveying section (3) and/or for independently removing format parts (6) from the area of the horizontal conveying section (3). The at least one handling device (10) is designed as a structurally integrated component of the transport module (1).