A system for providing automatic packaging of products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic packaging systems in markets and supermarkets are inefficient, leading to increased waiting times for customers and unnecessary labor costs, as they often require manual intervention by cashiers or customers, and do not effectively manage bag usage or minimize line wait times.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses a reel with a product guider palette and flow channel, equipped with a solenoid valve and bag roller, where products are sorted and packaged without manual intervention, with bags automatically opening when a certain weight is reached, and a sensor alerts for low bag stock, reducing labor and wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual packaging is performed by cashier or customer, then packaging can be completed, but waiting time increases and labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system performs automatic packaging operations without requiring cashier or customer intervention. The system self-regulates the packaging process, automatically opening bags, placing products, and sealing bags, thereby eliminating the need for manual labor in the packaging step and reducing waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical packaging action is replaced with an automated packaging mechanism that uses mechanical arms, sensors, and control systems to perform packaging operations automatically, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If separate packaging personnel is employed, then packaging can be performed, but labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging function is merged with the existing cash point system. The automated packaging unit is integrated into the cash point, combining the payment and packaging operations into a single unified system, thereby eliminating the need for separate packaging personnel without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cash point system is given multi-functionality by integrating the automated packaging capability. The same system that processes payments also performs packaging operations, making the packaging function universal and eliminating the need for dedicated packaging equipment and personnel.
3Loss of time
If automatic packaging system is implemented, then waiting time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into modular functional segments including product reception module, bag opening module, product placement module, and bag sealing module. Each segment performs a specific function independently, which simplifies the overall system design and maintenance while achieving automated packaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the cash point and the packaging mechanism. The control system receives signals from the cash point, coordinates the packaging operations, and manages the automated processes, thereby simplifying the integration complexity while enabling automatic packaging.
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 system significantly reduces waiting times for customers and minimizes labor costs by automating the packaging process, ensuring efficient product handling and reducing bag waste, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a packaging section (5) including at least one bag holder, a solenoid valve (5.1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to the system (1) enhanced for the simplification of packaging 5 process in the markets, supermarkets and similar places; having reels (2), product guider palette (3), at least one bag stopper (4.1) providing to open the bag mouth in the head part, including product flow channel (4) preventing the products to overflow out of the packaging section (5), solenoid valve (5.1) and packaging section (5) including at least one bag holder connecting tab providing to pull the bag where the products are stored and when the bag is in a certain weight, providing to perform its leaving process from the system, product slideway (6), bag roller (7) for the bags as wrapped where the products are put, carrier body (9) carrying the whole system, providing automatic packaging of the products.