Packing Box Folding System with Movable Suction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operations for folding and recycling empty packing boxes are time-consuming and prone to errors, with existing technologies not providing an automated solution for post-processing empty boxes after product removal.
Innovation Solution
A packing box folding system that includes a transport conveyor, fixed guide panel, movable suction device, first and second pressing devices, and an opening device to automatically fold and overlap packing boxes, allowing for automated processing and stacking without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used to fold and recycle empty packing boxes, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The packing box folding system enables automatic self-folding of packing boxes through a coordinated sequence of mechanical actions. The guide panel guides the box, the suction device holds it in position, the pressing devices fold the panels, and the conveyor transports it - all without human intervention. This automation directly resolves the contradiction by eliminating manual labor limitations while the modular mechanical design keeps the system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. Instead of human hands performing folding actions, the system uses a guide panel for positioning, a suction device for holding, and multiple pressing devices for folding panels. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming and error-prone manual process while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If automated folding system is implemented, then productivity increases and manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding system is divided into distinct functional modules: a guide panel for positioning, a suction device for holding the box, first and second pressing devices for folding different panels, and a conveyor for transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall automated system more manageable and less complex despite the automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it transports the packing box through the folding area, positions the box for folding operations, and moves the folded box to the discharge point. The guide panel both guides the box entry and supports the folding process. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation.
3Productivity
If manual folding operations are used, then equipment cost is low, but time consumption is high and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt operates continuously, constantly moving packing boxes through the folding system. The suction device continuously holds boxes in position during folding, and the pressing devices continuously apply force to fold panels. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between steps and ensures smooth, error-free processing, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the automatic folding and overlapping of packing boxes, reducing manual labor and ensuring efficient recycling or disposal, with the ability to stack processed boxes upright or horizontally for easy transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a movable suction device which is disposed opposite to the fixed guide panel in the width direction of the transport conveyor, is movable between the position where the packing box is introduced and the position where the packing box is discharged, suctions side surfaces which are opposite to the side surfaces of the packing box, in contact with the fixed guide panel, and presses the suctioned side surfaces inward the width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A packing box folding system, and the packing box folding system including a transfer conveyor on which transfers the packing box from a packing box introducing position to a folded packing box discharging position; a fixed guide panel which extends between the packing box introducing position and the packing box discharging position and is disposed on one side of the transfer conveyor in the width-direction; and a movable suction device which is disposed on the side opposite to the fixed guide panel in the width-direction of the transfer conveyor and is movable between the packing box introducing position and the packing box discharging position, wherein the movable suction device suctions the side surface of the packing box, which faces the side surface in contact with the fixed guide panel, and presses the suctioned side surface inward in the width-direction.