Partial Magazine Layout for Continuous Robotic Packaging Blank Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face interruptions and increased space requirements due to the need for large magazines of packaging blanks, which complicates continuous operation and safety in compact systems.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device with a handling robot that accesses multiple partial magazines, allowing for continuous operation by removing and refilling one sub-magazine while the other remains operational, and using movable barriers to ensure safe manual access without collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large magazine is used to store packaging blanks, then continuous operation is enabled, but the space requirement increases and handling effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple separate sub-magazines (first sub-magazine and second sub-magazine) that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous operation by switching between sub-magazines while reducing the space required for each individual sub-magazine compared to a single large magazine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple sub-magazines in advance, where at least one sub-magazine can be replaced while others are in use. This preliminary preparation of backup sub-magazines enables continuous operation without interruption, as the robot can switch to a pre-prepared sub-magazine while one is being replaced.
2Productivity
If a large magazine is used to store packaging blanks, then continuous operation is enabled, but the handling effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the magazine into smaller sub-magazines, the handling effort for each replacement operation is reduced. The robot only needs to handle smaller, more manageable sub-magazines rather than a single large magazine, making the replacement process easier and faster.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sub-magazines are prepared in advance, allowing the robot to perform quick swaps without extensive handling operations. This preliminary preparation reduces the time and effort required for each magazine replacement event.
3Area of stationary object
If the system is made compact, then space requirements are reduced, but manual access for refilling becomes difficult and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates movable barriers that can dynamically change the accessibility of magazine positions. When a sub-magazine needs refilling, the barrier moves to provide manual access even in a compact configuration. When not in use, the barrier maintains the compact structure, blocking access to maintain safety and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable barrier acts as an intermediary between the compact system structure and manual access requirements. This barrier mediates by providing access when needed while maintaining the compact configuration when not needed, resolving the contradiction between compactness and accessibility.
4Reliability
If the movable barrier is positioned to block access, then safety is improved, but manual access for refilling is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically switch between blocking (safety) and open (access) positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide safety during operation while allowing manual access when refilling is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can prepare for refilling operations by preliminarily positioning the barrier in the open position before manual intervention is needed, ensuring both safety during operation and accessibility when required.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A packaging device (10) and a method for supplying such a packaging device (10) with packaging blanks are disclosed. Packaging units are produced using the packaging blanks by applying them to grouped articles by means of a handling robot (20, 40). The handling robot (20, 40) accesses at least two partial magazines (14, 16) of a magazine (12) located within reach of a movable tool head (18), each containing packaging blanks. The packaging blanks are removed from the magazine (12) by the handling robot (20, 40) and applied to the respective waiting groupings of articles. One of the partial magazines (14, 16) of the magazine (12) is designed for refilling after the packaging blanks held therein have been removed, while continuing to use the other partial magazine (16).14) at least partially removable from an operating position (22), in particular from the packaging device (10). The partial magazine (14, 16) and/or the relevant magazine slot (24, 28) removed from the operating position (22), in particular from the packaging device (10), is/are at least temporarily shielded from the tool head (18) of the handling robot (20, 40) by means of a movable barrier (30).