Perpendicular Feedstock Gluing Machine for Compact Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic gluing machines for cardboard boxes and cartons require a large footprint due to parallel feedstock delivery, limiting their size and cost efficiency, and lack versatility in ejecting glued stock in different directions.

Innovation Solution

A machine that delivers feedstock perpendicular to the glue line, allowing for in-line placement with other factory processes, with a clamp mechanism to hold and glue the sheet stock, and an output nip to eject the glued stock in various directions, including reverse, using rollers and a fold mechanism for initial folding before gluing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If feedstock is delivered parallel with the glue line, then the gluing process can be simplified, but the machine footprint increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegluing process simplicityVSAvoidmachine footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the feedstock delivery direction from parallel to perpendicular relative to the glue line, utilizing a different spatial dimension. The feedstock is delivered perpendicular to the glue line, allowing the glue applicator to apply adhesive to the side of the folded portion rather than along the length of the material, thereby reducing machine footprint while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the machine is designed for compact footprint, then space is saved, but versatility in ejecting glued stock in different directions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine footprintVSAvoidejection direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a movable ejection apparatus that can dynamically adjust its position and direction. The ejection mechanism includes a movable arm or platform that can be positioned to eject glued stock in multiple directions (forward, backward, left, right) depending on the specific production line configuration, providing versatility within a compact footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple ejection operations in different directions using the same compact mechanism. This universal design allows the machine to adapt to various production line layouts without requiring additional space or specialized components for each ejection direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9573336B2Apparatus for automatically gluing head and tail ends of stock material

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 WESTROCK BOX ON DEMAND LLC

AI summary

Feedstock is delivered perpendicular to the line of applied glue in an automated gluing machine, thereby simplifying operation and better accommodating other in-line factory or assembly processes. The machine comprises an input nip for receiving the head end and the tail end of a sheet stock in overlapping registration, with the tail end being longer than the head end. A clamp mechanism holds the overlapping sheet stock in position while a glue applicator applies glue to one side of the tail end. An output nip holds the glued side of the tail end against the head end, and apparatus is provided for ejecting the sheet stock once the tail end has been glued to the head end. The glued stock may be ejected back toward the operator or away from the operator and through the machine, enabling the machine to be placed in-line with other machines for a continuous directional or linear flow.