Rotatable Tool Head for Dynamic Article Orientation in Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies face challenges in efficiently orienting articles within cartons for optimal display and secure transportation while minimizing material usage and waste, particularly in ensuring the contents are secure and visible through display windows.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine and method that includes an article manipulation apparatus with a tool head and grippers to adjust the orientation of articles within cartons, using sensors and drive mechanisms to rotate and position articles for optimal display through display windows, while ensuring secure containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articles are placed in cartons for display and transport, then the contents are secure and visible, but the orientation of articles cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable tool head that can dynamically adjust its orientation to rotate articles within cartons. The tool head rotates about a vertical axis and can position grippers at different angular positions, enabling flexible article orientation adjustment while the cartons remain on a moving conveyor belt. This dynamic capability allows the same packaging machine to handle multiple article orientations without requiring separate fixed-position machines for each orientation.
2Productivity
If traditional fixed-position packaging machines are used, then the structure is simple, but multiple machines are needed for different article orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal packaging machine that can handle articles in multiple orientations through a single rotatable tool head. Instead of requiring separate fixed-position machines for horizontal, vertical, or angled article orientations, one machine with a rotatable tool head can perform all these functions by adjusting the tool head's angular position, thereby increasing productivity while reducing the total number of machines required.
3Reliability
If articles are securely contained in cartons, then transportation is safe, but article visibility through display windows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable tool head enables dynamic adjustment of article orientation to optimize display visibility. By rotating articles to specific angles, the system can position product faces or important features to align with display window orientations, maximizing visibility while maintaining secure containment. The cartons remain closed and secure throughout the process, but the internal article orientation is optimized for display purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a packaging machine for packaging articles, apparatus for a packaging machine and to a method of packaging articles. The packaging machine comprises an article manipulation apparatus. The article manipulation apparatus comprises a first conveyor for conveying packages. The packages each comprises a carton having at least one displaceable article disposed therein. An article orientation device comprises a tool head movable synchronously in a downstream direction with the first conveyor. The tool head has at least one article gripper for engaging with a displaceable article in the carton. The at least one article gripper is rotatably mounted to the tool head. An article displacement device comprises at least one article displacement tool. The article displacement tool is receivable in an opening in a carton to engage and displace the displaceable article such that it protrudes through a second opening in said carton.