Packaging Separator With Adhesive Bonding For Automation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging jigs for items like glass bottles are difficult to assemble, prone to disassembly during transport, and costly, limiting automation and increasing production line bottlenecks due to rough edges and high material costs, especially when made of non-biodegradable plastics.

Innovation Solution

A separator comprising two sheetlike plates joined by a transversal adhesion stripe, allowing easy assembly and positioning, reducing material waste, and enabling both manual and automated placement, while using cost-effective and biodegradable materials like corrugated cardboard or paperboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional jigs with multiple plates and grooves are used, then separation stability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jig is divided into two separate plates that can be assembled together. The first plate has grooves that receive the second plate, creating a modular structure that simplifies assembly while maintaining separation stability for the packaged items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the functions of multiple separate plates into a simplified two-plate structure. The first and second plates work together as a unified separation system, reducing the number of components while achieving the same separation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If jigs with grooves are assembled, then separation function is achieved, but material waste increases due to rough edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation functionVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful rough edges from material waste into a beneficial feature. The rough edges are intentionally created during the cutting of the plates, and then a adhesive layer is applied to cover and secure these edges, transforming them from a defect into a stabilized feature that prevents further material loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If jigs are assembled in anticipation to avoid production line bottlenecks, then assembly time is reduced, but disassembly during transport occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The jig components are pre-cut and prepared in anticipation of assembly. The plates are cut to size with rough edges, and adhesive layers are positioned ready for assembly, allowing rapid assembly during production while maintaining stability during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical fastening systems with an adhesive-based connection. The adhesive layer creates a chemical bond between the plates, providing reliable connection that prevents disassembly during transport while allowing quick assembly during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If locks are added to grooves to prevent disassembly, then assembly stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler adhesive-based connection system. The adhesive layer provides sufficient bonding strength to prevent disassembly during transport, eliminating the need for additional locks or fasteners and reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the connection method from mechanical (locks, clips, or snaps) to chemical (adhesive bonding). This parameter change in the connection mechanism provides adequate stability while significantly reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Ease of operation

If plastic jigs are used, then separation performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable plastic to biodegradable materials such as cardboard or paperboard. This material substitution maintains the separation performance required for packaging while improving environmental friendliness and reducing harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structures combining biodegradable base materials (cardboard or paperboard) with adhesive layers. This composite approach provides the necessary structural integrity and separation performance while using environmentally friendly materials that can be biodegraded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and easily positionable separator that minimizes breakages and reduces material waste, facilitating efficient packaging and automation while using environmentally friendly materials.

Implementation Method 1

said first and second sheetlike plates being joined in their faces by means of at least one adhesion point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP1736413B1Separator for using in packaging of items or products
Publication Date: 2008.03.12 LATTANZI FERNANDO
  • EP1736413B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1736413B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1736413B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A separator (1) for using in the packaging of various kinds of items or products such as packings made of glass, plastics, ceramics, metal, and the like in boxes o in any other containers made of various materials, preferably for the conditioning for the long- or short-distance transport and during the storage of said items or products. The separator comprises at least a first sheetlike plate (2) and a second sheetlike plate (3), it is possible both to have a substantially rectangular geometrical configuration. Said first and second plates are joined on their faces by at least one adhesion point (6). The utilization of the separator allows to protect the items or products in a correct manner, to optimize the manual accommodation process, and to automate said process by means of machinery; and its manufacturing is fast, simple and very economical.