Robotic EOAT Retainer Blank Forming for High-Throughput Container Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies for forming retained container groups from arrayed container groups are inefficient and require significant hardware, limiting processing throughput and increasing system footprint.
Innovation Solution
A system and process utilizing a robotic arm with an end-of-arm tool (EOAT) and a die block to manipulate retainer blanks, forming adapted retainer blanks that are applied to arrayed container groups, enabling the formation of retained container group packs with reduced hardware and increased processing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional packaging technologies are used to form retained container groups, then the containers can be securely grouped, but the system requires significant hardware which limits processing throughput and increases system footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of forming retained container groups from complex traditional packaging machinery. By removing unnecessary hardware components and retaining only the critical elements (retainer blanks and application mechanism), the system achieves high processing throughput with minimal hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer blanks are designed to be self-forming and self-applying to the container groups. The blanks automatically conform to the container group geometry and secure themselves without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, actuators, or additional hardware, thereby eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining secure grouping.
2Reliability
If traditional packaging technologies are used to form retained container groups, then the containers can be securely grouped, but the system increases system footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes extraneous hardware from traditional packaging systems, retaining only the essential retainer blank application function. This extraction reduces the system footprint while maintaining the core capability of secure container grouping through the retainer blanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer blanks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they secure the container groups, provide structural support, and enable easy consumer handling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hardware components, reducing system footprint while ensuring reliable secure grouping.
3Productivity
If automated formation of carrying devices is implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the carrying device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device is segmented into simple retainer blanks that can be individually processed and applied. Each blank is a simple, discrete component that can be efficiently handled by automated systems, improving processing efficiency while keeping individual component complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer blanks undergo parameter changes through automated folding and shaping processes, transforming from flat blanks to three-dimensional securing structures. This automation handles the complexity of transformation, allowing the final carrying device to remain simple while achieving high processing efficiency through automated parameter changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forming retained container groups from an arrayed container group (ACG) via application of an adapted retainer blank to the ACG is generally provided. The system is advantageously characterized by a container conveyance apparatus for conveying arrayed container groups, a supply of retainer blanks from which retainer blanks are dispensable, and a processing station characterized by a segment of the container conveyance apparatus, a die block, for receipt of a dispensed retainer blank from the supply of retainer blanks, and a robotic arm equipped with an end of arm tool (EOAT). The robotic arm is operable so as to selectively position the EOAT within the processing station, the EOAT positionable for urged engagement of a dispensed retainer blank received upon the die block so as to form and secure an adapted retainer blank, the robotic arm thereafter positionable to register the secured adapted retainer blank with a conveyed ACG conveyed on the segment of the container conveyance apparatus of the processing station, the robotic arm further positionable to apply the secured adapted retainer blank to the registered conveyed ACG to thereby form at least two retained container group packs from the registered conveyed ACG.