Retractable Cartridge for Automated Packaging Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging machines face challenges in efficiently and reliably handling items of various sizes and shapes into packages, particularly in high-speed commercial environments, as they often require manual intervention and are limited in adaptability to different item configurations.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system featuring a moveable cartridge with retractable walls that can be inserted into a cavity formed by a film web, allowing for horizontal or vertical movement, and an automated handling system to facilitate the induction and sealing of items into pouches, enabling flexible handling of diverse item sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual insertion of items is used, then flexibility in handling various item sizes and shapes is improved, but productivity and automation level deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling various item sizes and shapesVSAvoidpackaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Items are pre-loaded into cartridges before the packaging cycle. The cartridge is then inserted as a complete unit containing multiple items, eliminating the need for manual item-by-item insertion during high-speed operation. This preliminary loading action enables both automation and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge serves as an intermediary container between the item storage area and the packaging cavity. It holds multiple items of various sizes and shapes, then delivers them all at once to the cavity, enabling automated handling while maintaining flexibility for different item configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional packaging machines are used, then sealing functionality is improved, but adaptability to different item configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionalityVSAvoidadaptability to different item configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is designed with universal dimensions and interfaces that allow it to accommodate multiple item configurations. The same cartridge structure can hold different numbers, sizes, and shapes of items, while the sealing mechanism remains unchanged, providing both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge includes movable or flexible walls that can adapt to different item configurations within the cartridge. This dynamic structure allows the cartridge to accommodate various item arrangements while maintaining a consistent interface with the packaging machine's sealing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If automated handling systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is segmented into distinct functional modules: item loading area, cartridge holder, packaging cavity, and sealing mechanism. The cartridge itself is segmented with separate walls and floors. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and specialized, while the overall system achieves high automation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10296870B1Cartridge and system for automated induct of single and multiple items into an automated packaging machine

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A packaging system employs a cartridge having moveable walls such that the cartridge discharges or inducts one or more items into a cavity of a package, such as a film that is sealed into a pouch or mailer. A bottom wall of the cartridge is retracted relative to an end panel of the cartridge during the induction process.