Versatile Packaging Machine With Interchangeable Folding Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines require separate machines for producing packs of rolls wrapped in plastic with sealed flaps and those wrapped in paper with flaps inserted into the tubular winding core, necessitating the purchase of multiple machines for different packaging types.
Innovation Solution
A versatile packaging machine with a conveyor system and a folding station that can be equipped with either stationary or dynamic folding members to fold and seal plastic film or insert paper flaps into the winding core, allowing for the production of both types of packs using a single machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate machines are used for plastic sealing packs and paper twist-and-tuck packs, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the total number of machines increases and equipment costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a packaging machine with a folding station that can be equipped with different folding members to perform multiple packaging functions. The same machine can be configured with first folding members for plastic sealing packs or second folding members for paper twist-and-tuck packs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines while maintaining optimization for each specific packaging type through interchangeable components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single machine is designed to handle multiple packaging types, then equipment costs are reduced, but the machine structure becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic folding members that can be exchanged or reconfigured based on the desired packaging type. The folding station is designed to accommodate different folding member configurations, allowing the machine to adapt its structure dynamically rather than being permanently fixed in one configuration, thus reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging machine is divided into modular components, with the folding station as a distinct module that can be independently configured. The folding members are segmented into interchangeable first folding members and second folding members, allowing the complex functionality to be broken down into manageable, replaceable units that simplify the overall machine structure
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated folding members are used for each packaging type, then packaging precision is maintained, but the machine requires more complex switching mechanisms between different folding member types
Solution Approach 1:
The folding station is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate both first folding members for plastic sealing and second folding members for paper twist-and-tuck packaging. This universal design eliminates the need for complex switching mechanisms while maintaining the precision required for each specific packaging type through properly designed interchangeable folding members
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
Enables the production of both sealed plastic packs and 'twist-and-tuck' style paper packs on a single machine, reducing equipment costs and simplifying operations while maintaining efficient packaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing station which, by means of suitable heating systems, heats and seals together the folded flaps of the plastic sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging machine including an insertion station for inserting the rolls in wrapping sheets; a feed path of the rolls; a conveyor for feeding the rolls along the feed path; and a folding station adapted to be equipped alternatively with different types of folding members, as a function of the type of pack to produce.