Rotatable Loading Head for Flexible Case Packing of Rolled Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bundling and case packing technologies for rolled absorbent products are inefficient, costly, and lack flexibility, requiring redundant handling and conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a shuttle and a rotatable, translatable loading head that can receive stacked rolled products and efficiently translate and orient them for bundling or case packing, using a stack stabilizer and loading pushers to manage product configuration and orientation, allowing for flexible packaging configurations without redundant conversion equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate lines are used for bundling and case packing transformations, then the transformations can be achieved, but the process becomes redundant and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bundling and case packing transformation operations into a single integrated apparatus. The loading head can perform both bundling (wrapping in polymer overwrap) and case packing (placing in rigid cardboard cartons) operations on the same production line, eliminating the need for separate redundant conversion equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading head is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple packaging configurations. It can load stacked rolled products into different types of packaging (bundles or cartons) and accommodate varying product configurations, making the equipment multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated separate lines for each packaging type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bundling and case packing lines are used, then packaging transformations are achieved, but flexibility in accommodating varying product configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The loading head incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different product configurations. The ability to adjust loading parameters and accommodate varying stack configurations allows the system to maintain high productivity while being flexible enough to handle different packaging requirements without requiring separate dedicated lines for each product type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate conversion lines are used for bundling and case packing, then different packaging types can be produced, but handling redundancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conversion operations into a single integrated loading head that can perform both bundling and case packing. This eliminates the need for products to be transferred between separate lines, reducing handling time and eliminating redundant operations while maintaining the ability to produce different packaging types on the same line.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for packing cases with stacked rolled product. The apparatus can include a shuttle for receiving stacked rolled product, the shuttle operatively positioned to receive the stacked rolled product and translate the stacked rolled product from a first position to a second position. A rotatable and translatable loading head can be operatively positioned to receive the stacked rolled product from the second position of the shuttle. A first loading pusher can be operatively positioned to push the stacked rolled product from the second position of the shuttle to the loading head. A carton conveyor can be operatively positioned to convey open cartons to receive the stacked rolled product from the loading head.