September 2015 – December 2015
For our senior design project, our team was given the task of creating a machine that could autonomously erect variable-sized cardboard boxes. This project was completed under the instruction of Packsize, LLC. Packsize is a global company that aims to solve the world's largest packaging problems by producing machines that allow the consumer to produce variable-sized boxes on-demand. This not only cuts down on shipping costs, but also on the pollution from shipping oversized boxes with excess filler materials.
As Packsize didn't have an automated system to erect the boxes once they were cut and glued, they asked out team to devise a solution. Thus, our team conducted market research, CAD modeling, and empirical testing in order to design a system that would accomplish this task. We provided Packsize with the CAD modeling, analysis, and a fully-functional Proof of Concept Model that was able to manually show how the actual design would perform if fitted with motors and other electronics.
The implications of this project are that Packsize will now be using our research, analysis, and POC model to develop the actual (automated) machine that will be used in industry. This results in throughput consistency and reduced HSE risk for the operators.