Adjustable Table Assembly for Automated Flexible Container Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid filling and packaging systems require manual handling of flexible containers, leading to increased risk of injury, longer preparation times, and inconsistencies due to the need for manual positioning and orientation of containers within the filler assembly.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable table assembly with a movable table and clamp system that securely holds flexible containers, allowing for automated positioning and orientation, reducing manual intervention and enhancing safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of flexible containers is used, then operators can position and orient containers, but this increases risk of injury and requires longer preparation times

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-feeding mechanisms where containers are automatically fed and positioned by the machine itself rather than requiring manual intervention. The automated table moves containers through the filling process, and the system self-regulates container orientation and placement without operator involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by operators is replaced with automated mechanical systems including motorized tables, automated clamps, and programmable positioning mechanisms that mechanically feed and position containers through the filling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning of flexible containers is used, then containers can be oriented in desired position, but this requires longer preparation times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer positioningVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Containers are pre-positioned and pre-oriented on the automated table before the filling process begins. The system performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions in advance, so that when filling starts, containers are already in the correct orientation and position, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic, motorized tables and positioning mechanisms that can quickly and precisely adjust container positions and orientations during the feeding process, replacing slow manual positioning with fast, programmable mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If operators reach into the assembly to position containers, then containers can be maintained in proper orientation, but this increases risk of injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer orientationVSAvoidrisk of injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An automated table and positioning system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the container handling process. The table mechanically maintains container orientation and position through programmed movement and automated clamping, eliminating the need for operators to physically reach into the assembly and manually adjust containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning by operators is replaced with automated mechanical systems including motorized tables, automated clamps, and programmable positioning mechanisms that mechanically feed and position containers through the filling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If multiple operators are used for manual operation, then containers can be handled and positioned, but this increases operational complexity and time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handlingVSAvoidnumber of operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated table and positioning system performs multiple functions that previously required multiple operators: feeding containers, positioning them, maintaining orientation, and coordinating with the filling process. This single automated system replaces multiple human operators, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive container handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11377246B2Auto-feed assembly for modular filling systems

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 LIQUI BOX CORP

AI summary

An adjustable table assembly for use in a filler assembly includes a table having a top surface configured to receive a flexible container thereon and a clamp disposed on the table and configured to releasably secure the flexible container to the table. The table has an infeed end and an outfeed end opposite the infeed end. The table is movable along a plurality of rails affixed to the filler assembly. The table is movable between a loading position, in which the table is configured to receive the flexible container, and an operating position, in which the table is inside the filler assembly. The movement of the table along the plurality of rails is along a first axis. Filler assemblies and methods of using adjustable table assemblies are also disclosed.