Web Transfer Assembly for Container Blank Retaining Web Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming shipping containers are inefficient as they often require expensive and wasteful buffer materials to prevent damage to goods during transport, and there is a need for a machine that can quickly form containers that securely retain products of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a first and second web transfer assembly that picks and places retaining webs over blanks on a deck, using a pick-up assembly and vacuum suction cups to form a blank assembly with a retaining web, reducing the need for additional packing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shipping containers are used with buffer materials, then goods are protected from damage during transport, but the cost increases and environmental harm occurs due to wasteful buffer materials
Solution Approach 1:
The container blank is divided into multiple panels that can be folded and configured to create segmented compartments. These compartments can be individually adjusted to fit different product sizes, eliminating the need for universal buffer materials and providing customized protection for each item.
Solution Approach 2:
The container blank includes panels with varying degrees of rigidity - some panels are more rigid while others are more flexible. This dynamic structure allows the container to adapt its shape and provide customized fitting for different product sizes, replacing the need for buffer materials through structural adaptation.
2Loss of substance
If custom-fitted containers are created to accommodate different product sizes, then buffer material is eliminated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple panels connected by fold lines, allowing each panel to be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation enables custom fitting for different products while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure utilizes panels with different rigidity parameters - some panels are designed to be more rigid while others are more flexible. By varying this physical parameter across different panels, the container achieves adaptability to different product sizes without requiring complex mechanisms or assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual container assembly is used, then flexibility in handling different products is maintained, but production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is provided as a pre-configured blank with panels already positioned and fold lines pre-formed. This preliminary preparation allows the container to be quickly assembled and adapted to different products without requiring time-consuming manual shaping or complex adjustments during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure incorporates panels with varying rigidity that can be quickly adjusted during assembly. This dynamic design enables workers to rapidly configure the container for different product sizes while maintaining ease of assembly, thus preserving both adaptability and production speed.
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 machine efficiently forms blank assemblies with retaining webs, securely holding products and eliminating the need for additional packing materials, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact while accommodating products of different sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a first pick-up assembly moveable between the first end and the second end and is configured to pick up the first retaining web proximate the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A machine including a deck, a first platform, a second platform, a first web transfer assembly, and a second web transfer assembly is provided. The deck and first and second platforms are coupled to a frame. The first web transfer assembly extends from a first end to a second end and includes a first pick-up assembly moveable between the first end, proximate the first platform, and the second end, proximate the deck. The second web transfer assembly extends from a third end to a fourth end and includes a second pick-up assembly moveable between the third end, proximate the second platform, and the fourth end, proximate the deck. The first web transfer assembly and the second web transfer assembly are operationally offset when moving between the first and second end and the third and fourth ends, respectively.