Variable-Length Pressing Device for Corrugated Packaging Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual packaging devices for small, individual products in corrugated cardboard are inefficient due to varying product sizes, structural complexity, and the need for high-quality infrastructure, with issues in generating sufficient contact pressure for sealing and accommodating different material thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A device with a driven pressing mechanism using pivotable press beams and adjustable distance between pressing members, which can exert mechanical pressure on corrugated cardboard packages, allowing for simultaneous pressing of two opposite sides and incorporating a cutting blade for perforation and marking, enabling easy opening and secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex device with individually driven pressing members is used to close shipping packages, then the closure quality improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing device is divided into two independent pressing members that can be adjusted separately, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing device is designed to handle multiple package sizes and types using the same basic mechanism, with adjustment capabilities that allow one device to perform multiple closing functions

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

2Ease of manufacture

If rollers are used to generate contact pressure for sealing, then the sealing process simplifies, but sufficient contact pressure cannot be generated for increased packaging thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing processVSAvoidcontact pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing members are designed to be adjustable in position and pressure application, allowing the system to adapt to different packaging thicknesses and generate sufficient contact pressure dynamically rather than relying on fixed roller pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows adjustment of pressing force and position parameters to accommodate varying packaging thicknesses, enabling sufficient contact pressure to be generated for different material thicknesses using the same basic mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed pressing members are used in the pressing device, then the device structure simplifies, but the device cannot accommodate different material thicknesses and package sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidaccommodation of different material thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing members are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned to accommodate different package sizes and material thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is configured to allow preliminary adjustment of pressing member positions before the actual pressing operation, enabling the system to adapt to different packaging requirements in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If manual wrapping and folding is done without assistance, then the device infrastructure requirements reduce, but the time required and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure requirementsVSAvoidpackaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to assist users with minimal infrastructure requirements by providing self-contained pressing and closing functions that reduce manual effort and time without requiring complex external systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the packaging process by allowing for efficient closure of packages of varying sizes with reduced user effort, providing a secure and easy-to-open design, and reducing the need for multiple box sizes, thus optimizing operational costs and packaging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a counter-element (22) being provided for each movable pressing member (4, 4') in such a way that the movable pressing member (4, 4') and counter-element (22) are designed to exert a mechanical pressure on a shipping package (26) arranged between them when in use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a toothing (25) being provided, arranged on at least one pivotable press beam (21), which produces a perforation in the shipping packaging (26) during the pressing or also closing movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerforation through mechanical cutting: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP3484774B1Device for closing shipment packagings
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 WAVEPACK GMBH
  • EP3484774B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3484774B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3484774B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for closing shipment packagings in the form of self-adhesive corrugated cardboard, comprising a product-insertion opening (2) and a driven and variable-length pressing device (3) arranged thereafter in the processing direction for simultaneously pressing two opposite sides of a shipment packaging, wherein the pressing device (3) has at least two oppositely rotating wheel pairs (4, 4'), which define a pressing gap (5) therebetween in each case.