Vacuum Holding Device for Partition Stabilization in Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3×2 A-partitions used in RSC boxes are unstable and prone to collapse, and gluing them into place leaves residue that can stick to articles or the box, causing damage and logistical issues.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device that includes a holding device to stabilize the unfolded partition within the external package, using vacuum cups to prevent collapse and ensure safe placement of articles without the need for gluing, allowing for precise positioning and protection of articles during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the partition is placed into the box first and subsequently the bottles, then the bottles can be placed safely into the RSC box with the partition, but the partition can relatively easily collapse after having been placed into the box
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is unfolded and inserted into the box before the bottles are placed, preparing the dividing structure in advance to ensure bottles are separated during filling. This preliminary action allows the partition to be positioned correctly before the main filling operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding device acts as an intermediary between the partition and the filling process. This holding device temporarily supports the partition structure during and after insertion, preventing collapse while maintaining the partition's dividing function. The holding device is removed after serving its stabilizing purpose.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the partition is glued into the box, then the partition is stabilized in the box, but glue residues are left which can stick to the bottles or articles or to the box itself
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (glue) is completely removed from the system by replacing the gluing process with a mechanical holding and stabilization method. The partition is held in place by a holding device during insertion and then stabilized by its own structural design and the box geometry, eliminating any adhesive residues that could contaminate bottles or create sticking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves as a temporary, disposable element that performs its stabilizing function during the critical insertion phase and is then removed. This short-living auxiliary component enables the partition to be stabilized without permanent adhesives, allowing clean removal after serving its purpose.
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
The device effectively stabilizes the partition and prevents collapse, ensuring safe and precise placement of articles, eliminating the risk of damage and residue issues, while allowing for efficient filling of RSC boxes without the need for additional gluing steps.
Implementation Method 1
using vacuum cups to prevent collapse
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging device (1) and method for fitting an external package (3) with a dividing element (2) and for filling a divided external package (3) with articles (4). The packaging device (1) comprises a first supply station (70) for external packages (3) that are open on one side, a second supply station (60) for expanded and/or unfolded dividing elements (2), a placement device (6) for placing the expanded and/or unfolded dividing element (2) into the external package (3), at least one holding device (9) that holds and/or stabilizes the expanded and/or unfolded dividing element (2) inside the external package (3) prior to the articles (3) being placed therein, and an article feed station (11) for placing the articles (4) into an external package (3) that is divided by the dividing element (2).