Slotted Container Height Reduction Using Mechanical Flap Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing the initial height of packages, such as slotted containers, are costly, bulky, and require adjustments for different formats, leading to inefficient and environmentally unfriendly packaging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a mechanical approach with a gripping member to perform simple, successive movements for cutting and marking package flaps, allowing adaptation to various batch sizes and shapes without electronic components, using a device that can be reused across different package formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic machines with non-contact sensors are used to measure and reduce package height, then measurement speed and productivity are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic non-contact sensors with a purely mechanical measurement system using a feeler gauge and mechanical markers. The feeler gauge physically contacts the objects to determine maximum height, and mechanical markers transfer this measurement to the package flanks. This substitution maintains productivity while improving measurement precision and eliminating complex electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system uses the package's own structure (flanks and edges) as part of the measurement and marking mechanism. The feeler gauge measures against the objects, and the markers automatically transfer the measurement level to the flanks through direct mechanical contact, allowing the system to self-regulate without external control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic machines are designed for each basic package format, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal device that can handle multiple package formats through a single machine configuration. The feeler gauge and marking system are designed to adapt to different package dimensions without requiring dedicated machines for each format. This universal approach maintains manufacturing precision across various formats while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to dynamically adapt to different package formats. The feeler gauge can be positioned and adjusted to accommodate various bottom dimensions, and the marking system can transfer measurements to flanks of different lengths, enabling one machine to serve multiple formats.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual height reduction is performed by operators, then adaptability to different orders is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system performs the adaptation function automatically without requiring operator intervention for each package. The feeler gauge self-determines the maximum height by contacting the objects, and the marking system automatically transfers this measurement to the flanks. This automation maintains the adaptability to different order volumes while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical markers serve as intermediaries between the measurement process and the package structure. They transfer the height information from the feeler gauge to the package flanks, enabling automatic adaptation without electronic controls or complex mechanisms. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between simple mechanical measurement and package modification.
4Ease of operation
If lifting plates and manual knife cutting are used to reduce package height, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the package's own flanks and edges as guides for the cutting process. The markers indicate precise cutting locations on the flanks, and the cutting tool follows these markings to ensure regular, high-quality cuts. This self-guided approach eliminates the need for operator judgment while maintaining ease of operation through simple tool actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking step is performed before cutting,预先 indicating the precise locations where cuts should be made. This preliminary action ensures that the subsequent cutting operation produces regular, high-quality results by following pre-determined lines. The markers serve as guides that eliminate variability in cut placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing an initial height of a package including: a priority phase including a priority step of determining a priority volume of a priority batch of objects of a maximum height and three secondary volumes, a priority step of moving an arm inside the package to a position in which a feeler comes into contact with the objects in order to determine a priority height, a priority step of deforming the flanks along two priority folding lines bordering the priority volume by a marking tool, and a priority step of separating the flanks by a cutting tool, three secondary phases including a secondary step of moving the arm by the priority distance, a secondary step of deforming the flanks bordering the secondary volume along two secondary folding lines by the marking tool and a secondary step of separating the flanks bordering the secondary volume by the cutting tool.