Tiling Packaging Production via Algorithmic Box Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in packaging production is the difficulty in efficiently selecting optimal box designs and sizes that balance factors such as production time, material usage, and protective features, especially in real-time scenarios where production backlogs or excess capacity require rapid adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that accesses item data and determines packaging requirements, selects suitable box sizes, and allocates production to the most appropriate packaging machines, generating instructions for tiling box production to optimize production efficiency and material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple different box styles are produced to satisfy various dimensional constraints and protective requirements, then packaging quality and protection are improved, but production complexity and difficulty in selecting optimal box styles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the box style selection process into distinct evaluation dimensions (protective features, aesthetic features, production efficiency, material usage) and processes each dimension separately through automated analysis, reducing the complexity of evaluating multiple box styles simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated computer-based intermediary system that mediates between packaging requirements and box style selection, replacing manual evaluation with algorithm-driven analysis that objectively compares multiple box styles across various criteria and recommends optimal selections
2Productivity
If real-time production factors are considered to adjust box style selection for backlog or excess capacity, then production throughput is improved, but the complexity of real-time decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of production factors, packaging requirements, and box style characteristics before actual production decisions are needed, pre-processing data to enable rapid real-time selections without complex on-the-spot calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where production status information (backlog or excess capacity) is continuously monitored and fed back to the box style selection system, which automatically adjusts recommendations based on current production conditions without requiring complex manual intervention
3Strength
If box templates are creased and folded at right angles to increase strength characteristics, then packaging protection is improved, but production time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system analyzes and optimizes box template parameters including crease locations, fold angles, and template dimensions to achieve adequate structural strength with minimized folding operations, balancing strength requirements with production efficiency through parameter optimization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention extends to methods, machines, systems, and computer program products for producing multiple packaging products in a tiled configuration within source production material, enabling production of multiple packaging products in parallel. Embodiments include accessing item data identifying items that are to be packaged, and determining packaging requirements for each item. A pair of box sizes that satisfy the packaging requirements are selected for tiled production. A packaging production machine to be used is also selected. Selection of the box sizes and/or the packaging production machine is based on a collective analysis of packaging requirements, packing system characteristics, and packaging machine characteristics. Based on the collective analysis, it is determined how to allocate box production to the production machine, and the pair of box sizes is matched to the production machine. Box production instructions are generated and sent to the packaging production machine.