Reconfigurable Packing Machine for Wirehoods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packing machines for wirehoods require lengthy manual reconfiguration when changing box types, as they are not easily adaptable to different container sizes and materials.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable packing machine with adjustable transport and containment stations, featuring pneumatic and electric actuators, movable panels, and an automatic handler, allows for quick adaptation to various container sizes and shapes by automatically or manually modifying dimensional variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is used to change box types, then the packing machine can adapt to different container sizes, but the reconfiguration time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure panels are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned to different positions corresponding to different container sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the machine to adapt to various box types without lengthy manual reconfiguration, as the panels can be quickly moved between predetermined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing machine is designed with a universal containment structure that can accommodate multiple container types through the same set of movable panels. The panels serve multiple functions by being repositionable to different configurations, allowing one machine to handle various box sizes without requiring dedicated fixtures for each container type.
2Device complexity
If fixed containment structures are used, then the machine structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different container types
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure employs movable panels that can be repositioned along guides to different predetermined positions. This dynamic design maintains relative structural simplicity while achieving adaptability, as the panels move along established paths rather than requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure is divided into multiple separate panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each panel to be adjusted to specific positions corresponding to different container dimensions, providing adaptability while keeping the overall structure modular and relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine (1) for packing wirehoods in containers of different and predetermined sizes, comprising a bearing structure (2), a container loading station (3), a container filling station (5) adjacent to the loading station (3) and provided with retaining means (6) of said containers, a wirehood supply line (7) and an automatic handler (9) for transferring stacks of wirehoods from the supply line (7) into the containers in the filling station (5). The loading station (5), the filling station (5) and the retaining means are reconfigurable based on the container size.