Robot-Assisted Box Folding for Easy Size Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box folding systems require manual adjustment of swing piece length and arrangement for different box sizes, making it cumbersome to adapt to varying box dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A box folding system utilizing a robot with a work head and a folding-aid member to manipulate and fold interconnected panels of a box sheet, allowing easy size changes by controlling the robot's operations and using a folding-aid member to adjust panel angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swing piece with fixed length and arrangement is used to open flaps and fold boxes, then the box folding operation can be performed, but manual adjustment is required for each box size change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the swing piece length adjustable rather than fixed. The swing piece can be dynamically repositioned along the robot arm to match different box sizes, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly when changing box dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the swing piece position and length to be modified according to different box sizes. The system changes the physical parameters of the swing piece configuration to match various box dimensions, enabling automatic adaptation without manual intervention and solving the contradiction between versatility and operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the swing piece length and arrangement are adjusted for each box size, then appropriate folding operation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single swing piece that can serve multiple box sizes through position adjustment along the robot arm. Rather than requiring multiple swing pieces of different lengths, one universal swing piece performs all folding operations for various box sizes, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a standardized swing piece design that can be replicated in position along the robot arm to match different box sizes. The same swing piece configuration is copied to different locations rather than creating physically different components, simplifying the overall system while achieving size adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of swing piece is performed for box size changes, then folding precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the swing piece to automatically adjust its position along the robot arm based on the detected box size. The system performs the adjustment without human intervention, maintaining folding precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect box size parameters and automatically adjusting the swing piece position accordingly. The system receives feedback about the box dimensions and self-corrects the swing piece configuration to maintain optimal folding precision, eliminating manual adjustment delays and improving productivity.
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 easy adaptation to different box sizes without manual adjustments, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in folding operations.
Implementation Method 1
a robot (10) including a work head (11) that suctions the box sheet (S), the robot moving the box (B)
Data Source
AI summary
An empty box folding system according to an aspect of the present disclosure that allows easy change in the size of the box folds a box formed from a box sheet having a plurality of interconnected panels, the system comprising: a robot that has a working head that suctions the box sheet and moves the box; and a folding aid member that changes a relative angle of the panels by abutting against the box moved by the robot.