Receiving Device for Centering Variable Width Material Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for providing three-dimensional cushioning agents in transport containers lack flexibility in accommodating different widths of starting materials, leading to limitations in producing cushions with varying upholstery properties.

Innovation Solution

A device with a receiving device featuring adjustable lateral attachment devices for different stack widths, allowing for flexible transformation of a flat web-shaped starting material into three-dimensional cushioning agents, enabling the production of cushions with varying widths and properties without the need for operator adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single lateral support device is used for a specific stack width, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different stack widths and cushioning material widths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different stack widthsVSAvoidreceiving device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is designed with multiple lateral support devices that can accommodate different stack widths (first stack type and second stack type). Each lateral support device is configured for a specific stack width, allowing the same receiving device to universally handle multiple stack types without requiring operator adjustments, thus achieving multi-functionality.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lateral support device is adjusted for different stack types, then different stack widths can be accommodated, but operator adjustments are required which increases complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in producing cushions with varying widthsVSAvoidoperator adjustments required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral support devices are pre-configured in fixed positions within the receiving device, with each support device predetermined for a specific stack type. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for operator adjustments when switching between different stack types, as the receiving device is already prepared to accommodate the selected stack width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lateral support devices are installed for different stack types, then flexibility is improved, but the device becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce cushions with different widthsVSAvoidnumber of lateral support devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is segmented into multiple lateral support devices, each dedicated to a specific stack type. This segmentation allows the system to handle different stack widths simultaneously or alternately without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism, simplifying the overall control while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3762224B1Device for providing a three-dimensional cushioning material for cushioning an empty volume in a transport container
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 STOROPACK HANS REICHENECKER GMBH & CO
  • EP3762224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3762224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3762224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for providing a three-dimensional cushioning material for cushioning an empty volume in a transport container, comprising a deforming device for deforming a flat web-like starting material into the three-dimensional cushioning material and a receiving device (36) for receiving at least regions of a stack (38) of the web-like starting material folded in a zigzagging manner. The receiving device (36) has a first lateral contact device (48) for a first stack type, which has a first width (B1), and a second lateral contact device (50) for a second stack type, which has a second width (B2), such that either a stack (38) of the first stack type or a stack (38) of the second stack type can be arranged in the receiving device (36) in a centered manner relative to the same central axis (54).