Paint Container Liner Insertion Using De-Stacking and Suction Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of methods or apparatuses capable of efficiently and quickly applying removable liners inside paint containers on an industrial scale, which hinders the widespread adoption of reusable paint containers and their environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus that includes a de-stacking device and a manipulator with a gripping tool to orient and insert liners into containers, utilizing suction or expandable membranes for secure placement, allowing for efficient and scalable liner application within cylindrical paint containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual liner application is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a de-stacking device that separates liners from the stack, a manipulator with gripping tool that positions and inserts liners, and a container positioning system. Each module operates independently but coordinates to achieve automated liner application, resolving the contradiction by making complexity manageable through modular design while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The de-stacking device automatically separates liners from the stack without manual intervention, and the manipulator autonomously positions and inserts each liner into the container. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual liner application while maintaining system simplicity through programmed control sequences
2Loss of substance
If reusable containers are adopted, then waste reduction and environmental benefits are achieved, but efficient liner application capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
Liners are pre-stacked in an organized manner before the application process begins, and the apparatus is pre-configured with the correct liner size and type for each container. This preliminary preparation enables rapid sequential liner application without downtime between operations, achieving both waste reduction through reusability and high productivity through efficient automation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus operates continuously with the de-stacking device constantly supplying liners to the manipulator, which continuously positions and inserts them into containers moving along the production line. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and maximizes liner application efficiency while supporting the reusable container model that reduces waste
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 rapid and efficient application of liners inside paint containers, facilitating the reuse of containers, reducing waste, and lowering production costs while enhancing environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing suction or expandable membranes for secure placement
Implementation Method 2
utilizing suction or expandable membranes for secure placement
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying liners inside containers includes: providing a plurality of liners each having a bottom wall, a side wall, an upper opening opposite the bottom wall and a fold extending around the edge of the upper opening; placing the plurality of liners in at least one vertical stack in which the liners are upside down and one inside the other; pulling the liner at the top of the stack out of the stack in a vertical direction and overturning the liner so as to orient it vertically with the upper opening facing upwards; inserting a gripping tool into the liner and gripping the liner with the gripping tool; inserting the gripping tool and the liner held thereby inside a container and placing the liner inside the container; and releasing the liner into the container and removing the gripping tool from the container.