Integrated Robot Cell for Food Packaging Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems require high construction and assembly efforts, occupy valuable space, and have limited range and performance due to separate support structures for packaging machines and insertion robots, which are not sufficient for modern food processing demands.
Innovation Solution
An integrated structure where the support frame of the insertion robot cell also serves as the transport and guiding device, merging the packaging machine and insertion robot into a single unit with a three-dimensional robot cell that supports the insertion robot, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate support structures are used for packaging machine and insertion robot, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but construction effort and assembly effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support frame of the packaging machine with the support structure of the insertion robot into a single integrated support frame. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate support structures, directly reducing construction effort and assembly effort while maintaining independent design and maintenance capabilities for each component.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate support structures are used for packaging machine and insertion robot, then each component can be independently designed, but valuable space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support frame combines the structural requirements of both the packaging machine and insertion robot into a single footprint. This merging allows both components to share the same spatial envelope, eliminating the need for separate support structures that would otherwise occupy additional floor space.
3Ease of operation
If packaging machine and insertion robot are set up in a common area with separate support frames, then assembly is straightforward, but the robot cell must be threaded through the packaging machine which complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the support frames, the patent eliminates the need to thread the robot cell through the packaging machine. The merged support structure allows both components to be positioned side-by-side or in a coordinated arrangement without requiring penetration through the packaging machine's continuous chain drive, significantly simplifying the assembly process.
4Device complexity
If automated insertion devices are supported by two-dimensional portals, then the structure is simple, but range and performance are limited and do not meet modern food processing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional portal structure to a three-dimensional robot cell with spatial freedom. This dimensional upgrade allows the insertion robot to move freely in three-dimensional space, dramatically expanding its working range and performance capabilities while still maintaining a relatively simple integrated support structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for inserting products into recesses (11), in particular for inserting food products into deep-drawn depressions in a film web, comprising a support frame which rests on the ground in the erected operating state, the support frame comprising a plurality of interconnected support elements and defining a transport passage (13) for the recesses (11) which are moved through the support frame in a transport direction (T) during operation, with a transport and/or guide device (15) supported on or formed by the support frame for moving the recesses (11) through the support frame or with a connection supported on or formed by the support frame for a transport and/or guide device for moving the recesses through the support frame, and with at least one three-dimensional,robot cell (17) extending both longitudinally and transversely to the transport direction (T), on which at least one insertion robot (18) for inserting products into receptacles (11) located in the transport passage (13) is supported, the support frame being formed by the robot cell (17).