Tile Packing with Segmented Cardboard Blanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for large-format tiles are either inefficient in material usage or difficult to manipulate, as perimeter packing requires excessively long cardboard blanks and tray packing uses more material than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A packing apparatus using a pair of cardboard blanks, where each blank is substantially shorter than traditional perimeter packaging, allowing for lateral application to form semi-packs that overlap to cover the entire perimeter of the tile or stack, reducing material usage and enabling efficient packing of large-format tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If perimeter packing with a single long cardboard blank is used, then the entire perimeter is covered, but the blank becomes excessively long and difficult to manipulate for large-format tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The single long cardboard blank is divided into two separate shorter blanks. Each blank covers a portion of the perimeter (first semi-pack and second semi-pack), making them easier to handle and apply while collectively providing complete perimeter coverage when combined.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tray packaging is used for large-format tiles, then the packaging can accommodate large sizes, but a greater quantity of cardboard material is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large tray that covers the entire surface, the packaging uses two separate blanks that wrap around the perimeter. This segmented approach provides adequate protection for large-format tiles while using less cardboard material overall.
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
This solution allows for efficient perimeter packing of large-format tiles with significant material savings compared to traditional tray packing, making it easier to handle and manage the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
The flaps contacting the same surface of the stack of tiles and superposing on one another in proximity of the corners of the stack of tiles are glue to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for packing a tile or a stack of tiles (2) by means of a pair of cardboard blanks, comprising: first folding means (36) for applying a first cardboard blank (9) to a tile or stack of tiles (2), realising a first semi-pack (91); a rotary platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36); a first structure (40) mounted on the rotary platform (26) and which comprises a first seating (51) for receiving a semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2), which first structure (40) can rotate between a first angular position (A), in which it is possible to transfer the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) into the first seating (51), and a second angular position in which the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) can be expelled from the first seating (51); first pushing means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) such as to expell the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position; second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) such as to apply a second cardboard blank (10) to the semi- packed tile or stack of tiles (2), thus realising a second semi-pack (92) which together with the first semi-pack (91) forms a pack.