Angled Side Feed Mechanism for Liquid Filler Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid filling systems are unable to process both bag-in-box and standup bags efficiently, requiring separate fillers for each type of packaging, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that utilizes a side feed mechanism to orient incompatible bags at an angle relative to the conveyor platform of an existing liquid filler mechanism, allowing for the use of a single filler system to process both bag-in-box and standup bags by employing a support track, shuttle, and air cylinders to guide and fill the bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate fillers are used for bag-in-box and standup bags, then each bag type can be processed with dedicated equipment, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies an existing bag-in-box filler to perform multiple functions by adding a side feed mechanism that can accommodate both bag-in-box and standup bags. The conveyor platform is designed to accept bags from the side at an angled orientation, allowing the same equipment to handle different packaging types without requiring separate dedicated fillers for each bag type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic side feed mechanism with adjustable conveyor positioning that can adapt its orientation and configuration based on the type of bag being processed. The conveyor platform can be positioned at different angles and the side feed mechanism can adjust its feed rate and positioning to accommodate the specific requirements of either bag-in-box or standup bags, making the system flexible rather than fixed.
2Device complexity
If a single filler system is used for both bag types, then equipment cost and complexity are reduced, but the existing mechanism must be modified to accommodate incompatible bag configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bag feeding function from the existing conveyor system by introducing a separate side feed mechanism. This modular addition allows the original filler mechanism to remain intact while the side feed component handles the orientation and positioning of incompatible bag types, minimizing modifications to the core system.
Solution Approach 2:
The side feed mechanism acts as an intermediary between the bag supply and the existing filler mechanism. It receives bags in their original orientation and transforms them into the correct positioning for the filler, serving as a mediating component that resolves the incompatibility between different bag types and the existing filler design without requiring fundamental changes to the filler itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bags are fed at an angled orientation to the conveyor platform, then compatibility with existing fillers is improved, but the transport mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by feeding bags from the side at an angled orientation rather than from the end of the conveyor. This side feed approach utilizes the lateral space and angular positioning to accommodate incompatible bag types, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the feeding mechanism that resolves compatibility issues without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting and liquid filling of a bag utilizing an existing liquid filler mechanism. The apparatus includes a support for the bag, a track for guiding the bag, and a shuttle for urging the bag to the conveyor of the existing liquid filler mechanism. The support, track, and shuttle are positioned at an angle to the conveyor platform of the existing liquid filler mechanism.