Filling machine package waste management

Abstract

A method and apparatus, including a computer program product, for packaging waste management in a filling machine (100). A waste event is detected during operation of the filling machine (100). The waste event is associated with a waste event detection point in the filling machine (100) and a corresponding web segment location of the packaging material. One or more filled packages are identified for disposal based on a predetermined distance along a path traversed by the packaging material from the waste event detection point to a waste chute (200) in the filling machine (100). The predetermined distance is expressed in a standardized length measurement format. In response to determining that the web segment location has traveled a distance equal to the predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at or proximate the web segment location are discharged through the waste chute (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to package waste management in a filling machine.

Background Art

[0002] Filling machines are used to package products, most commonly for food or beverage products, but also for other products. Filling machines are used to fill bottles or pouches depending on the product.

[0003] There are several types of filling machines used in the packaging industry. The type of filling machine used for food or beverages is usually determined by the type of product to be filled, speed requirements, expected quality and shelf life, resource availability, technological feasibility, and many other variables. The types of foods range from solids to semi-solids, from liquids to frozen products, from high temperatures to low temperatures, and from flowable products to high-viscosity products. There are various filling technologies for liquid products and dry products, and product filling machines have various filling technologies to meet huge product variables and user requirements, such as rotary or in-line type, intermittent or continuous motion, semi-automatic or fully automatic, just to name a few. Each type of filling machine has its own advantages.

[0004] In one type of filling machine, a continuous vertical tube is formed from a web of packaging material. The web is usually supplied in a roll, sterilized by applying a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, and then evaporated, for example by heating, and removed from the surface of the packaging material. The sterilized web is kept in a sealed sterile environment, folded longitudinally and sealed to form a tube. Then, the tube is filled downward with a sterilized or aseptic injectable food and sent along a vertical path to a forming station where it is sealed at regular intervals to form individual packages. In some embodiments, the packages are then conveyed to a final folding station where they are mechanically folded into a finished shape such as a parallelepiped shape.

[0005] Certain events can occur as the web moves through the filling machine, rendering the resulting package unusable. These events are referred to herein as “discard events.” A common example of a discard event is when the web roll runs out and a new roll of web needs to be spliced. This results in double packaging material at the splice, which is generally unacceptable in packaging, and the package formed from the web at the splice location must be discarded. Another example is when the heating element operates outside its normal range, resulting in the package being deemed unsuitable for use. Additionally, starting or stopping the filling machine may cause the package to be positioned at an offset location relative to the printing on the package.

[0006] To determine which packages to discard, the filling machine uses a so-called "repeat length," which defines the length of a package based on its web. The package array within the filling machine tracks packages as individual units, and when a discard event (e.g., a splicing event) occurs, the filling machine recognizes that the discard event occurred on a specific package (e.g., package 67). When a package leaves the filling machine, a counter determines when package 67 is about to leave, and instead of discharging the package onto the normal conveyor belt with the other packages, package 67 is discharged through a discard chute. The problem with this method of determining which packages to discard is that the decision may only be made on an individual package basis. As a result, situations may arise where it is not possible to recognize which package a discard event belongs to (e.g., if the discard event occurs between packages 67 and 68), and as a precaution, more packages than necessary may be discarded. Furthermore, every time the repeat length changes, for example, if the same filling machine is used for different package types, manual testing must be performed, which is usually very time-consuming and labor-intensive, and even then, due to the aforementioned uncertainties, situations may arise where multiple packages must be discarded. For these reasons alone, improved technologies are needed for managing packaging waste. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the invention is to overcome at least partially one or more of the limitations of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a method and system for managing package waste in a filling machine, resulting in fewer packages being discarded and a significant reduction in the tests required before the filling machine enters production of a particular type and size of package.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for managing package waste in a filling machine. This method is • The machine detects a waste event during operation, and the waste event is associated with the waste event detection point of the machine and the corresponding web segment location of the packaging material. - Identify one or more filled packages to be discarded, and this identification is based on a predetermined distance along the path the packaging material travels from the discard event detection point to the discard chute of the filling machine, and this predetermined distance is expressed in a standardized length measurement format. In response to determining that the web segment location has traveled a distance equal to a predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at or near the web segment location are discharged through a waste chute. To prepare for it.

[0009] At a general level, the present invention provides more efficient and accurate waste management in filling machines. In particular, by determining distances within the filling machine using a standardized length measurement format (e.g., millimeters or centimeters) rather than individual packaging units based on repeat length, it becomes possible to know with greater accuracy the distance the web needs to travel from a predetermined waste event detection point within the filling machine to the waste chute. This improved accuracy makes it possible to more accurately determine which packages are affected by a waste event, reducing the number of packages discarded and allowing for more efficient use of the filling machine compared to current solutions.

[0010] Another significant advantage of using standardized length measurements is that the determination of discarded packages can be repeatedly decoupled from length, as the determination of discarded packages relies solely on standardized length measurements. Consequently, the amount of testing required is significantly reduced, both during the initial setup of the filling machine and when the filling machine is reconfigured to produce different types or sizes of packaging.

[0011] Furthermore, the filling machine can be configured so that one or more packages formed at or near the web segment location are discarded through the waste chute. For example, if the web segment location of a waste event is clearly located within the periphery of the package, it is sufficient to discard only that one package. However, if the web segment is located near the edge of the package, it may be prudent to discard both the package itself and the packages before and after it. The precise judgment of how much caution is needed, and what distance is acceptable between the package edge and the web segment location, generally depends on the specific situation at hand and is well within the realm of what a person skilled in the art can determine. Moreover, depending on the type of waste event, different numbers of packages may be discarded. Typically, the waste event depends on the size of the component causing the waste event. Thus, some waste events may be only a few millimeters long and easily fit within a package. Other waste, such as heat-generating components, may be several hundred millimeters long, requiring the discarding of multiple packages.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the filling machine is a food filling machine. The general principles of the packaging waste management method can be applied to a wide range of products, but are particularly suitable for filling machines used to fill packaging with food. Minimizing food waste is desirable from both an economic and a global resource and environmental perspective. At the same time, maintaining strict quality and safety standards is also extremely important. These are all objectives that various embodiments of the present invention can help achieve. Food as used herein refers to anything that humans or animals ingest or eat, or that plants absorb, and includes, but is not limited to, liquid, semi-liquid, viscous, dry, powdered and solid foods, beverage products, and water.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the standardized length measurement format is either millimeters or centimeters. Using standardized length units such as millimeters and centimeters makes it easy to apply the general principles of the present invention to various different filling machines, as the metric system is fundamentally familiar to everyone and overwhelmingly used in any research or production environment. Furthermore, the use of millimeters and centimeters generally provides an appropriate level of precision in the context of packaging. However, it should be noted that, naturally, the same measurement can be expressed in meters, or even more decimals, rather than in millimeters or centimeters. Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the metric system. The same principle can also be applied using the yard-pound unit, for example, using measurements expressed in inches.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the filling machine includes multiple modules, with one or more modules containing independent waste event detection points. This modularity and independence of waste detection points create flexibility in detecting waste events in the filling machine, as the waste event detection point does not need to consider data from waste event detection points in other modules. A waste event occurring at a predetermined waste event detection point will produce the same result in the waste chute regardless of the combination of modules used to form the filling machine, independently of any waste events that may occur at waste event detection points in other modules, thus providing high predictability and repeatability. This makes it easier to configure and reconfigure the filling machine for different situations, allowing for more flexible use of the filling machine.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a predetermined distance is calculated as the sum of the distances within each module through which the packaging material passes from the waste event detection point to the waste chute. By defining modules, knowing the distance the web passes from the waste event detection point within each module to the end of the module, and knowing the total distance the web passes from the inlet point to the outlet point of each module, sufficient information is provided to calculate the distance from any waste event detection point to the waste chute as the sum of the individual distances within different modules through which the web passes. If modules are replaced or added to the filling machine, the new distance to the waste chute can be easily updated, again reducing the need for extensive testing and retesting.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a predetermined distance is measured manually within the filling machine or automatically on a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing. In some situations, a CAD drawing is available and can be used to determine the distance the web traverses through one or more modules. In other situations, particularly with existing filling machines, such a drawing may not be available, and instead, manual measurement may be performed to determine the distance the web travels. In yet another situation, a combination of manual and CAD drawing measurement may be useful or necessary. Thus, having these options, along with the modularity of the filling machine, provides great flexibility in determining the distance the web traverses through the filling machine from any waste event detection point to the waste chute.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the method further includes determining whether to discard one or more packages based on the location of the web segment relative to the preceding or succeeding package. As described above, a more accurate understanding of the web segment location makes it possible to determine whether it is sufficient to discard only one package or whether multiple packages must be discarded. Typically, such a determination also takes into account several other factors, such as the type of disposal event, the type of food, and various rules and regulations regarding what is permissible for the food and packaging, and can be adapted to specific situations as needed by those skilled in the art.

[0018] According to one embodiment, determining that the web segment has advanced a distance equal to a predetermined distance is done based on data obtained from a rotary encoder of the filling machine. Encoders are commonly used in filling machines and are well known to those skilled in the art. Encoders can provide very accurate information about how much the axle has rotated and can therefore be used to measure very accurately how far the web has moved within the filling machine. By utilizing this common technique as the "brain" of the system, consistent and reliable information can be obtained, and the integration of the principles of the present invention into various existing filling machines that use encoders can be facilitated.

[0019] According to one embodiment, identifying one or more filled packages to be discarded involves determining a correction factor to be applied to a given distance, the correction factor being based on data obtained from an encoder. This correction factor makes it possible to more accurately determine which packages should be discarded depending on when the discard event occurs. As a result of this more accurate determination, fewer packages are discarded, leading to many economic and environmental benefits in production.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a package waste management system in a filling machine. The system includes memory and a processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method including: • The machine detects a waste event during operation, and the waste event is associated with the waste event detection point of the machine and the corresponding web segment location of the packaging material. - Identify one or more filled packages to be discarded, and this identification is based on a predetermined distance along the path the packaging material travels from the discard event detection point to the discard chute of the filling machine, and this predetermined distance is expressed in a standardized length measurement format. In response to determining that the web segment location has traveled a distance equal to a predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at or near the web segment location are discharged through the waste chute.

[0021] The advantages of a system are equivalent to the advantages of a method, and can be modified in the same way.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product for managing package waste in a filling machine. The computer program includes a computer-readable storage medium having instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the following steps: • The machine detects a waste event during operation, and the waste event is associated with the waste event detection point of the machine and the corresponding web segment location of the packaging material. - Identify one or more filled packages to be discarded, and this identification is based on a predetermined distance along the path the packaging material travels from the waste event detection point to the waste chute of the filling machine, and this predetermined distance is expressed in a standardized length measurement format. · In response to determining that the web segment position has advanced a distance equal to a predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at the web segment position or formed proximate to the web segment position are discharged through a waste chute.

[0023] The computer program corresponds to the advantages of the method and can be similarly modified.

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a filling machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] It shows a schematic diagram of a filling machine's jaw system and waste gates at two different positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] It shows a schematic diagram of a filling machine's jaw system and waste gates at two different positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] It is a schematic diagram of a package array including data on which packages are wasted according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] It is a schematic diagram of a package array including data on which packages are wasted according to one embodiment. [Figure 3C] It is a schematic diagram of a package array including data on which packages are wasted according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] It shows a process of package waste management according to one embodiment.

[0026] Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] As described above, the objective of various embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and system for managing package waste in a filling machine. Rather than operating at the package unit level, the system uses a measured distance between a waste event detection point and a waste chute, expressed in a standardized measurement format such as millimeters or centimeters. This makes it possible to determine more accurately which packages need to be discarded, thereby reducing overall waste from the filling machine. Furthermore, by using distance in a standardized measurement format rather than at the package unit level, the filling machine becomes more adaptable to handling various types and sizes of packages, and the tests required when setting up or reconfiguring the filling machine are significantly reduced compared to those currently possible. Next, the system components and their interactions will be described in more detail with reference to the examples and drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling machine 100 according to one embodiment. As seen in Figure 1, the filling machine 100 includes three modules 102, 104, and 106. The first module 104 contains a roll of packaging material 108 (also referred to herein as “web”) which is filled with food. The web passes through different modules 102, 104, and 106, where it is processed in different ways (heating, sterilization, etc.) and the food is filled into the tubes formed by the web. The last module 106 of the filling machine 100 contains jaw systems 110a-b which form individual packages.

[0029] The jaw systems 110a-b can be configured in many ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the jaw systems 110a-b are chain-driven, which allows a package to be formed in a single continuous operation. The jaw systems 110a-b in the illustrated embodiment include 10 links, each link forming a package. Depending on the size and volume of the package, the number of links in the jaw systems 110a-b may be few or many. Also, the links may have different lengths, typically depending on the repeating length of the package. Regardless of the number and size of the links, when the jaw systems 110a-b advance one link, one package is manufactured.

[0030] After individual packages are formed, they are discharged onto a pneumatic waste gate 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste gate 200 has two possible positions, a production position shown in Figure 2A and a waste position shown in Figure 2B, and is embodied as a stainless steel plate located directly below the jaw system 110a-b. In the production position, the waste gate 200 guides the packages coming out of the jaw system 110a-b of the filling machine 100 onto a production conveyor that carries them to the next processing step. In the waste position, the waste gate 200 guides the packages discharged from the filling machine into a waste chute.

[0031] As those skilled in the art will understand, it is important not only to track the jaw systems 110a-b along with their links, but also to time the switching of the waste gate 200 between the production and waste locations so that packets end up in the appropriate places and the switching of the waste gate 200 occurs only between the arrival of packages at the waste gate 200. In a typical production setup, it is not uncommon for 3 to 12 packages or more to be produced per second, so the timing of the waste gate 200 switching must be extremely precise relative to the timing of package arrival at the waste gate.

[0032] In one embodiment, to ensure this precise timing, the servo motors of the jaw systems 110a-b use encoders. Encoders are well known to those skilled in the art and are used to measure how much an axle has rotated, and therefore can be used to measure with great precision how far the web has moved within the filling machine. The position of the encoder is synchronized with the mechanism of the jaw system in a process called "homing". Homing can essentially be described as a calibration process in which the encoder is adjusted to zero at a specific position in the mechanism. This can be done, for example, using a sensor that detects a stainless steel "flag" placed on one of the jaws of the jaw systems 110a-b. Once homing is performed, the precise position of the jaw systems 110a-b can be known at any point in time during operation.

[0033] The encoder is programmed so that one link corresponds to 360 encoder units (degrees). This means that when the jaw system moves 360 degrees, one package cycle occurs and one package is produced. This means that if the amount of packages is different, 360 degrees will represent different distances in millimeters of the web moved.

[0034] Almost all functions within the jaw system 110a-b are synchronized with the encoder and repeated for each package manufactured. For example, a sealing pulse is triggered when the encoder passes x degrees, allowing the package to be sealed. Printing on the package may be triggered when the encoder passes y degrees.

[0035] As mentioned above, the movement of the waste gate 200 between the waste location and the production location can only occur when the packages are not in the way; otherwise, the packages may jam. This means that there are only these small 360-degree windows for all links while the waste gate 200 may actually move to be in the right position for the next package arriving at the waste gate 200. This also means that a decision must be made before entering this "waste gate possible move window" whether the subsequent package should go to production or to waste. Once a decision has been made to discard a package, it is no longer possible to modify this decision, and therefore the package is no longer considered to be inside the filling machine 100.

[0036] To further illustrate this decision-making process, we introduce the concept of a “package array.” Package arrays are used in many conventional filling machines (100) for the purpose of tracking data about all packages as they move through the filling machine 100. While any type of data about a package may be held in the package array, for clarity, this discussion will only concern data indicating whether a package should be destined for production or discard. Figure 3A shows an example of a package array with a length of 10 packages, where each package is represented by an index from 0 to 9, and the package at index 8 contains a data element indicating, for example, that the package should be discarded. Although Figure 3A only shows a package array representing 10 packages, it should be noted that a typical filling machine (100) may have 50 to 300 packages at any given time, with volumes ranging from 1000 milliliters to 20 milliliters.

[0037] In machines that use individual units, such as carton packaging machines, it is relatively easy to represent packages in an array because the packages are already individual units. However, in a filling machine, this is difficult because a moving, continuous web of packaging material must be converted into an array with individual units. Therefore, the package array is shifted for each package produced, meaning that the information at position 0 of the array reflects the package closest to the discard gate 200. When the filling machine 100 reaches a "decision point" to decide whether to discard a package, the filling machine 100 checks the information at position 0 of the package array to determine whether the package should be discarded. After the decision is made, the array is shifted, and package 0 is no longer in the array (even though it is still physically inside the filling machine).

[0038] One problem with this configuration is that the package array shifts each time a package is produced. However, discard events can occur at any point and are typically not synchronized with the encoder position or the package array shift. To further illustrate this problem, consider the following example where filling machine 100 produces 7200 packages per hour. This means there are 2 packages per second. If the repeat length of the package is 200 mm, the web is moving at a speed of 400 mm per second. Furthermore, producing 2 packages per second means that the package array shifts every 500 ms. We also assume that this package array shift is determined to occur at 180 degrees of the encoder.

[0039] In the current solution, the location of a specific event is determined during the calibration process by manually testing the filling machine 100. This type of calibration process requires significant investment, manual labor, and time. For example, if a paper splice occurs, when the sensor detects the splice, it is manually determined that it should be written to (e.g.) location 56 in the package array, and since package 56 contains a splice, it should be discarded. If the repeat length is 200 mm, 56 packages mean approximately 11,200 mm of packaging material.

[0040] If the encoder is at 179 degrees when a splice is detected, the splice will appear in a different position within the array compared to when it is at 181 degrees (i.e., when the array is just about to shift or has just shifted). This is illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, respectively. Figure 3B shows the situation where the encoder is at 179 degrees. This means that a discard event is added to package 3, which is located 700.5 mm from the edge. On the other hand, Figure 3C shows the situation where the encoder is at 181 degrees, i.e., immediately after the array has shifted. This means that a discard event is incorrectly added to package 3 of the shifted array, which is located 899.5 mm from the edge. Thus, a difference of 2 degrees in the encoder results in a difference of almost 200 mm in the packaging material. Therefore, to account for this uncertainty, two packages should be discarded.

[0041] To address this uncertainty, according to various embodiments of the present invention, a waste event is expressed not as a specific package number, but as a distance in millimeters (or other standardized units of length) from the position of the jaw system where the package array is shifted to various points within the filling machine 100 where a waste event may occur. Figure 4 shows a process 400 for package waste management according to one embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the process begins with detecting a discard event during the normal operation of the filling machine 100 (step 402). The discard event is associated with a discard event detection point within the filling machine 100 and a corresponding location on the web segment. Next, the process identifies one or more filled packages that should be discarded (step 404). In the illustrated embodiment, the identification is based on a predetermined distance along a path traversed by the web from the discard event detection point to the discard chute 200 of the filling machine, the distance being expressed in a standardized length format such as millimeters or centimeters.

[0043] In some embodiments, the positions of the jaw systems 110a~b relative to the "shift position" are also considered. For example, when a waste event occurs, a package that is currently 700 mm away from the waste gate (i.e., a predetermined distance from the waste event location) is determined to be 700 mm away from the waste gate only if the encoder is at position 180. If the encoder position is less than 180 degrees, x mm is added to the predetermined distance, and if the encoder position is greater than 180 degrees, the length is shortened by y mm. Again, using the examples in Figures 3B and 3C, if the encoder position is 181 degrees, the calculation result is 700 mm (359 / 360) × 200 mm = 500.5 mm. This means that the waste event is written to package 2 instead of package 3. In other words, in the shifted array in Figure 3C, the waste event was written to package 2 instead of 3, and this is correct because only the array has been shifted.

[0044] Finally, when the web segment position has advanced a distance equal to a predetermined distance, the filling machine 100 discharges one or more packages formed at or near the web segment position (step 406), thereby ending process 400. In this way, more accurate determination can be made, making it more certain which packages should be discarded, and a significant reduction in waste packages from the filling machine 100 can be achieved. Furthermore, since the distances within the filling machine 100 are predetermined by either manual measurement, measurement on the CAD drawing of the filling machine, or a combination of both, the calibration of a new filling machine (100) or the adjustment of an existing filling machine (100) to manufacture different types of packages is greatly simplified.

[0045] It should be noted that the embodiments described above, which fall within the scope of the attached claims, are subject to numerous modifications. While the embodiments described herein use encoder positions expressed in the range of 0 to 360 degrees, it should be noted that they can also be expressed in any unit, such as millimeters or centimeters. Therefore, many modifications are conceivable for those skilled in the art. The systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In hardware implementations, the division of tasks between functional units or components mentioned above does not necessarily correspond to division into physical units. Rather, one physical component may perform multiple functions, and a single task may be performed jointly by multiple physical components.

[0046] Certain or all components may be implemented as software executed by a digital signal processor or microprocessor, or as hardware or application-specific integrated circuits. Such software may be distributed on computer-readable storage media consisting of computer storage media (or non-temporary media) and communication media (or temporary media). As is well known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or other media used to store desired information and accessible by a computer.

[0047] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or part of an instruction that constitutes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may be executed in an order different from the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. Furthermore, each block shown in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks shown in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action, or performs a special-purpose combination of hardware and computer instructions.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the advantages of the present invention shown in the above embodiments can be utilized by various modifications to the embodiments described above. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be defined solely by the appended claims. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the embodiments shown may be combined.

Claims

1. A method for managing package waste within a filling machine (100), During the operation of the filling machine (100), a waste event is detected, and the waste event is associated with the waste event detection point of the filling machine (100) and the corresponding web segment position of the packaging material. Identifying one or more filled packages to be discarded, the identification being made based on a predetermined distance along the path the packaging material travels from the discard event detection point to the discard chute (200) of the filling machine (100), the predetermined distance being expressed in a standardized length measurement format, In response to determining that the web segment position has advanced a distance equal to the predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at or adjacent to the web segment position are discharged through the waste chute (200). Based on the position of the web segment relative to the preceding and succeeding packages, a determination is made as to whether to discharge one or more of the packages, and this determination includes considering the type of the disposal event, the type of food, or the allowable distance between the web segment position and the edge of the package. method.

2. The filling machine (100) is a food filling machine. The method according to claim 1.

3. The standardized length measurement format is one of millimeters and centimeters. The method according to claim 1.

4. The filling machine (100) includes a plurality of modules (102, 104, 106), and an independent waste event detection point is included in one or more of the modules (102, 104, 106). The method according to claim 1.

5. The predetermined distance is calculated as the sum of the distances within each module (102, 104, 106) through which the packaging material passes from the waste event detection point to the waste chute (200). The method according to claim 4.

6. The predetermined distance is measured manually in the filling machine (100) or automatically on a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing. The method according to claim 1.

7. The determination that the web segment position has advanced by a distance equal to the predetermined distance is made based on data obtained from the encoder of the filling machine (100). The method according to claim 1.

8. This further includes identifying one or more filled packages that should be discarded, A correction coefficient to be applied to the predetermined distance is determined, and the correction coefficient is based on data obtained from the encoder. The method according to claim 7.

9. A package waste management system within a filling machine (100), memory and Equipped with a processor, The memory includes instructions that cause the processor to perform a method including the following when executed by the processor: During the operation of the filling machine (100), a waste event is detected, and the waste event is associated with the waste event detection point of the filling machine (100) and the corresponding web segment position of the packaging material. Identifying one or more filled packages to be discarded, the identification being made based on a predetermined distance along the path the packaging material travels from the discard event detection point to the discard chute (200) of the filling machine, the predetermined distance being expressed in a standardized length measurement format, In response to determining that the web segment position has advanced by a distance equal to a predetermined distance, one or more packages formed at or adjacent to the web segment position are discharged through the waste chute (200). Based on the position of the web segment relative to the preceding and succeeding packages, a determination is made as to whether to discharge one or more of the packages, and this determination includes considering the type of the disposal event, the type of food, or the allowable distance between the web segment position and the edge of the package. Package waste management system.

10. The instructions, when executed by a processor, are adapted to perform the method described in claim 1, A computer program that includes a computer-readable storage medium.

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