Robotic Container Carrier Application for High-Speed Multipack Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container carrier application technologies for rigid, 100% curbside recyclable materials like HDPE and PET plastics are inefficient and cannot handle high volumes at high speeds, necessitating cumbersome hand application or slow processes.

Innovation Solution

A system and apparatus utilizing a robotic applicator with an applicating drum, push down wheel, and cutoff system to efficiently apply container carriers to multiple containers, forming multipacks at high speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional hand application or slow processes are used for rigid container carriers, then the carriers can be applied to containers, but the productivity is low and cannot handle high volumes at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidapplication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The application process is divided into distinct functional modules: carrier storage magazine, applicating drum with positioning mechanisms, push-down wheel assembly, and cutoff system. Each module performs a specific function in the sequence of applying rigid container carriers to groups of containers, enabling high-speed automated operation while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic elements including the rotatable applicating drum that indexes carriers into position, the push-down wheel that applies carriers to containers, and the cutoff system that separates individual carriers. These dynamic components enable high-speed automated application while maintaining operational simplicity through coordinated motion control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If rigid, 100% curbside recyclable materials like HDPE and PET plastics are used for container carriers, then environmental recyclability is improved, but the application process becomes more difficult compared to flexible plastics

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidapplication process difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The applicating drum serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the application of rigid carriers by positioning them precisely and applying controlled force through the push-down wheel. This intermediary mechanism overcomes the difficulty of applying rigid materials by providing a systematic approach that maintains recyclability while simplifying the application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls application parameters including the positioning of carriers on the applicating drum, the force applied by the push-down wheel, and the indexing speed. By optimizing these parameters, the system enables efficient application of rigid recyclable carriers without compromising their recyclability or increasing process difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260042558A1Container carrier applicating machine

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to unitize a plurality of containers. An applicator engages the container carrier to the group of containers so that each applied container carrier is engaged with each container.