Automated Thermal Insulated Box Liner Insertion Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual assembly of thermally insulated paperboard containers is labor-intensive and inefficient, lacking automation for increased production rates and reduced manual labor.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising multiple stations for automated insertion of insulating liner panels into a rectangular box, including a flap opening assembly, liner panel insertion assemblies, a box transfer system, and a flap guide system, allowing for adjustable use with different box sizes and liner panels, facilitating the assembly of thermally insulated containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual assembly of thermally insulated containers is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly rateVSAvoidassembly system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple independent stations (first station for receiving boxes, second station for inserting first liner panels, third station for inserting second liner panels) that can operate independently and in sequence. Each station performs a specific function, allowing the system to process multiple boxes simultaneously at different stages, thereby increasing overall productivity without requiring a single complex automated assembly system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to handle different sizes of boxes and liner panels through adjustable components. The first and second liner panel insertion assemblies can accommodate various dimensions, making the same apparatus universally applicable to multiple product types and box sizes, thus increasing productivity without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each product variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automated insertion of liner panels is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly rateVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated insertion process is segmented into distinct operations at different stations: the first liner panel insertion assembly at the second station handles insertion of one type of liner panel, while the second liner panel insertion assembly at the third station handles another type. This segmentation allows each automated component to be relatively simple in design while collectively achieving high productivity through coordinated operation across multiple stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Boxes are prepared in advance at the first station by receiving them in an organized manner before they proceed to the liner panel insertion stations. This preliminary preparation ensures that boxes are ready for automated insertion without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during the insertion process itself, thereby increasing automation level while keeping individual station complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple liner panel insertion stations are added, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly rateVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus uses multiple independent insertion stations (second station with first liner panel insertion assembly, third station with second liner panel insertion assembly) that process different types of liner panels separately. Each station is a self-contained unit with similar functional components, allowing the system to increase productivity by adding parallel processing capacity rather than making a single complex insertion mechanism more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates adjustable components that can adapt to different box and liner panel dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same apparatus structure to handle multiple product configurations without requiring entirely separate equipment for each size, thereby increasing productivity across product variants while limiting the growth of device complexity through standardized adjustable mechanisms rather than custom-built components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11897225B2Apparatus and method for inserting thermal insulating box liners
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 CASCADES CANADA INC
  • US11897225B2 patent drawing
  • US11897225B2 patent drawing
  • US11897225B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for assembling thermally insulated containers are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for inserting a first insulating liner panel and a second insulating liner panel into a rectangular box to form a thermally insulated container includes a first station with a flap opening assembly, a second station with a first liner panel insertion assembly for inserting a first liner panel within the box, and a third station with a second liner panel insertion assembly for inserting a second liner panel within the box. A box transfer system is configured to transfer the box between the first station, the second station, and the third station. A flap guide system maintains the at least two of the lid flaps of the box in the open configuration as the box is transferred from the first station to the third station.