Protective Packaging Control for Automated Custom Element Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operational control of packaging machines requires manual input by users, which is time-consuming, prone to errors, and inefficient, leading to suboptimal use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A controller device with a processor and memory that automatically receives item data, determines packaging elements, and adjusts machine settings to create customized packaging elements, including foam-in-bag, inflatable air cushion, and paper dunnage, using cloud-based information and sensors for real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input is used for operational control of packaging machines, then users can directly control packaging parameters, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the packaging machine automatically receives item data, determines appropriate packaging elements, and creates packaging without requiring manual user input for each packaging element. The machine serves itself by autonomously completing the packaging process based on item characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input system with an automated computational system. Instead of users manually entering parameters, the system uses processors to receive item data, determine packaging requirements, and control machine operations automatically, substituting human-operated mechanical controls with automated electronic control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual input is required for each packaging element, then users can customize packaging settings, but resource efficiency decreases due to repeated manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-determining packaging element types and settings based on item data before the actual packaging process begins. The processor analyzes item characteristics and pre-configures the appropriate packaging elements, so that when packaging is needed, the settings are already prepared and ready to execute without requiring repeated manual customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation where the packaging machine can process multiple items sequentially without interruption for manual re-input. Once the system is initialized, it maintains continuous useful action by automatically determining and creating packaging elements for each item in the queue, eliminating the need for users to stop and re-enter parameters for each subsequent item.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universality to handle multiple packaging machine types and various packaging element configurations through a single integrated processor. The system can determine different packaging element types (such as foam-in-bag, inflatable air cushion, and paper dunnage) and control different machine configurations using the same core control architecture, reducing the need for separate complex control systems for each machine type.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for creating protective packaging. The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory containing computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions may cause the processor to receive, from a scanner, item data for at least one item to be packaged, based on the item data, determine one or more types of packaging elements for packaging the at least one item, and based on the determination, cause one or more packaging machine to create the one or more types of packaging elements.