Planar-Drive Packaging Line for Flexible Carton Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging production processes require multiple interconnected processing lines and transport systems, each configured for specific packaging types, leading to complexity and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a single flexible processing line with a transport device featuring movable platforms driven by a planar drive, employing magnetic forces and air flow to move packaging parts along a stator, allowing for modular and flexible production of packaging through a combination of magnetic reluctance and air flow, enabling processing steps to be performed on a single line without fixed paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple processing lines are used for packaging production, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processing functions (transport, processing, inspection, filling, closing) into a single integrated processing line. The transport device with movable platforms serves as a common infrastructure that coordinates all processing stations, eliminating the need for separate interconnected processing lines while maintaining high processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device with movable platforms performs multiple functions: transporting packaging parts, positioning them for processing, enabling inspection, and facilitating filling and closing operations. This universal platform replaces multiple specialized systems, reducing overall device complexity while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple interconnected transport systems are used, then transport capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidtransport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transport functions into a single transport device with movable platforms. This unified system handles all transport needs for packaging parts throughout the processing line, replacing multiple interconnected transport systems while maintaining adequate transport capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device features movable platforms that can dynamically adjust their positions and movements to accommodate different packaging types and processing requirements. This dynamic capability allows a single transport system to replace multiple fixed transport lines, reducing complexity while preserving adaptability and capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If processing lines are configured for specific packaging types, then processing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidpackaging type flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable platforms can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured to accommodate different packaging types. The platforms' ability to move freely along the processing line allows the system to adapt to various packaging dimensions and shapes while maintaining precise processing through controlled platform movements and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (platform positions, movement speeds, processing timings) to optimize for different packaging types. By adjusting these parameters rather than reconfiguring the entire processing line, the system maintains processing precision across different packaging varieties while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible, modular, and cost-effective packaging production by allowing packaging parts to be processed and filled on a single line, reducing the need for additional devices and tools, and accommodating various packaging types and filling options.

Implementation Method 1

the platform is held in a close region of the stator by a magnetic force that acts between a stator of the transport device and the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the platforms are each moved along the stator via a force based on the reluctance principle, wherein in particular the platforms are each subjected to a reluctance force via a magnetic resistance on the stator that changes in an area surrounding the platforms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReluctance force: Magnetic Reluctance

Implementation Method 3

the platforms of the transport device are moved along a stator of the transport device for transporting the packaging parts/packaging via a combination of a magnetic force and an air flow applied to the platforms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow force: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4245670B1Method for producing packages and packaging system for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SYNTEGON PACKAGING SYST AG
  • EP4245670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4245670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4245670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for manufacturing packaging (12a; 12b), in particular cartons, is proposed, wherein in at least one process step packaging parts (32a; 32b), in particular carton parts, are transported by means of a transport device (14a; 14b) with planar drive, wherein the packaging parts (32a; 32b) are each moved over at least one platform (30a; 30b) of the transport device (14a; 14b) movable by means of the planar drive and are processed during a movement effected by the platform (30a; 30b), wherein at least one processing step for manufacturing a packaging (12a; 12b) from a packaging part (32a; 32b) is carried out at least partially by a force effected by the at least one movable platform (30a; 30b).