Packing Machine Printing Head for Tile Blank Branding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for packing tiles with cardboard blanks require frequent substitution of blanks when switching between production batches, leading to downtime and reduced productivity due to the need for unloading residual blanks and loading new ones.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a printing head that can print logos and writings on cardboard blanks during their transfer from a store to a folding station, allowing the same blanks to be reused for multiple production batches without the need for substitution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cardboard blanks with specific logos and writings are stored in a first store for a production batch, then the packing machine can efficiently pack tiles for that batch, but the machine must remain unemployed and productivity decreases when substituting blanks for a new production batch
Solution Approach 1:
The printing head performs printing operations on cardboard blanks in advance, during their transfer from the first store to the folding station. This preliminary action ensures that blanks are ready with the correct logos and writings for the current production batch without requiring interruption of the packing process when switching batches
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the printed parameters (logos and writings) on the cardboard blanks dynamically through the printing head, allowing the same physical blanks to be adapted for different production batches without physical substitution. This parameter change enables continuous operation across batch transitions
2Adaptability or versatility
If cardboard blanks are substituted between production batches to display different logos and writings, then the correct branding is achieved for each batch, but the operation requires unloading residual blanks and loading new ones which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The first store contains universal cardboard blanks that can serve multiple production batches through dynamic printing. The printing head enables these blanks to fulfill different branding requirements for various batches, making the blank storage system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate stored inventories for each batch
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical operation of physically substituting cardboard blanks is replaced by a printing system. Instead of mechanically unloading and loading different blank inventories, the printing head applies the necessary logos and writings digitally, substituting a mechanical replacement process with a faster printing process
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 continuous operation of the packing machine without pauses when starting a new production batch, as the printing head can update the designs on existing blanks, improving productivity by eliminating the need for frequent blank changes.
Implementation Method 1
a printing head (7) arranged along the pathway and activated in phase relation with the transfer means (6) such as to print on the cardboard blank (3) when the cardboard blank (3) is positioned along the pathway between the first store (2) and the folding station (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A machine (1) for packing a tile or a stack of tiles (5) with one or more cardboard blanks (3), comprising: a first store (2) containing cardboard blanks (3); a folding station (4) for folding a cardboard blank (3) against a tile or a stack of tiles (5); transfer means (6) for transferring a cardboard blank (3) from the first store (2) to the folding station (4) along a pathway; a printing head (7) arranged along the pathway and activated in phase relation with the transfer means (6) such as to print on the cardboard blank (3) when the cardboard blank (3) is positioned along the pathway between the first store (2) and the folding station (4).