Tetrahedral Package Cube Assembly Without Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for packing tetrahedral packages into a cube shape require intermediate blanks or adhesives for stability, complicating the process and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a filling machine, conveyor means, and robotic pickers and carriers that create and assemble tetrahedral packages into a cube shape without using blanks or adhesives, utilizing V-shaped conveyors and side supports to stabilize and group the packages effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If irregular tetrahedral packages are packed into a cube shape, then space utilization is improved, but stability during assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cube-shaped support structure as an intermediary element that temporarily holds the six irregular tetrahedral packages during assembly. This support structure provides the necessary stability during the packing process, allowing the packages to be assembled into a cube shape without collapsing, and can be removed after assembly is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adhesive to the tetrahedral packages in advance, before the actual assembly into the cube shape. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures that when the packages are positioned to form the cube, they remain stable and bonded together, preventing instability during the final assembly process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is applied to increase stability during packing, then assembly stability is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cube-shaped support structure serves as a mediator that provides mechanical stability during assembly, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for adhesive. This intermediary structure bears the load and maintains the cube shape during the packing process, simplifying the overall process by removing or minimizing the adhesive step.
3Ease of operation
If odd-shaped secondary boxes are used for handling tetrahedral packages, then handling and transport is improved, but cost and packing process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cube-shaped support structure that can accommodate and pack multiple irregular tetrahedral packages in a standardized format. This multi-functional cube structure serves as both the packing container and the transport unit, eliminating the need for various odd-shaped secondary boxes and simplifying the handling and transport process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for packing a flow of first and second mirrored, irregular tetrahedral packages, each package has two sealed fins, two isosceles right triangle panels and two elongated right triangle panels, where the two isosceles right triangle panels share a leg, and the two elongated right triangle panels share a hypotenuse. The system includes a divider, conveyor, first packing carrier, a first robot picker, a second package carrier and a second robot picker.