Stamp Application for Non-Standard Pack Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tax stamping machines are inefficient in applying tax stamps to non-standard pack sizes and configurations, leading to costly and time-consuming manual stamping, as they are designed for specific pack sizes and configurations, and fail to align properly with varying product packs and cartons.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a carriage system with rollers and a stamp applicator, allowing for alignment and application of stamps in both x- and y-directions, enabling the use of existing rolled tax stamps on non-standard pack sizes and configurations, with programmable control for precise alignment and application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing tax stamping machines are used for standard pack sizes, then stamping efficiency is high, but they cannot handle non-standard pack sizes or configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different pack sizes and configurationsVSAvoidstamping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stamping machine incorporates movable carriages that can be repositioned along the stamping path, allowing the machine to dynamically adjust its configuration to match different pack sizes and arrangements. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same machine to efficiently stamp both standard and non-standard packs without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including carriage positions, stamping head locations, and alignment settings to accommodate different pack configurations. By programmatically adjusting these parameters, the machine maintains high stamping efficiency across various pack types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If tax stamp rolls are configured for standard packs, then application is automated and efficient, but non-standard packs require manual stamping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated stamp applicationVSAvoidcompatibility with non-standard packs

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stamping machine is designed with universal functionality to handle both standard and non-standard packs using the same automated stamp rolls. The movable carriages and adjustable positioning systems enable the machine to adapt the automated stamping process to various pack configurations, eliminating the need for manual stamping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed carriage positions are used, then machine structure is simple, but alignment precision varies for different pack configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestamp alignment precisionVSAvoidcarriage positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with programmable control systems that manage carriage positions. This substitution maintains alignment precision across different pack configurations while reducing mechanical complexity through software-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11479380B2Stamp application

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for applying stamps to a group of packages wherein the stamps are arranged in a predetermined pattern and the packages in the group are arranged in a different pattern, such that the stamps are applied to the packages uniformly and without waste using an apparatus having one or more carriages moveable in the x- and/or y-directions.