Bag Closure Applying Unit With Scotch Yoke Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing semiautomatic bag closing machine is space-intensive due to its fork-shaped engaging member and sensitive to displacement, which can cause improper functioning and require precise spring tensions.

Innovation Solution

A bag closure applying unit with an engaging arm that engages the strip of bag closures at its longitudinal side, reducing the necessary space and incorporating a moving mechanism with two engaging arms to prevent oblique positioning and a drive system using the Scotch Yoke principle for efficient motion conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fork-shaped engaging member is used to engage the strip of bag closures from below, then the moving mechanism can function properly, but the device requires a relatively large space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper functioning of moving mechanismVSAvoidspace required by moving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the engagement approach by switching from engaging the strip from below (fork-shaped member) to engaging the strip from the side (engaging arm). This inversion allows the engaging arm to engage the longitudinal side of the strip where notches are provided, enabling the mechanism to function properly while occupying less space within the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If spring-suspended components are used in the moving mechanism, then the mechanism can function properly, but the machine becomes sensitive to displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctioning of moving mechanismVSAvoidsensitivity to displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static spring-suspended components with a dynamic cam mechanism. The cam profile is specifically designed to guide the engaging arm through its motion path, providing the necessary movement while eliminating sensitivity to displacement. The cam mechanism maintains proper functioning through its geometric design rather than relying on spring tension, which is prone to displacement sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the engaging arm engages the strip at the longitudinal side, then the device becomes more compact, but the mechanism must precisely engage notches/indentations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace required by deviceVSAvoidengagement precision with notches

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the cam mechanism as an intermediary between the drive system and the engaging arm. The cam profile acts as a mediator that translates rotational motion into the precise linear motion required to engage the notches in the strip. This intermediary ensures that the engaging arm accurately engages the longitudinal notches while maintaining a compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution results in a more compact and stable bag closure device that is less sensitive to displacement, ensuring proper functioning and efficient operation with reduced space requirements and improved reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScotch Yoke principle:

Data Source

PatentEP3929094A1Bag closure applying unit and bag closure device with such bag closure applying unit

Publication Date: 2021.12.29 HERMAN FREEK ARIE

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Figure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a bag closure applying unit for attaching a bag closure, in particular a "Kwik Lok" type and/or "Schutte" type of bag closure, to a bag, wherein the bag closure applying unit comprises: an elongated housing having a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end, and a guiding channel extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the guiding channel is configured for receiving a strip of bag closures; and a moving mechanism configured for engaging the strip of bag closures and for moving the strip of bag closures through the guiding channel, wherein the moving mechanism comprises two engaging arms for engaging the strip of bag closures, wherein the engaging arms are configured to engage the strip of bag closures at the longitudinal sides thereof.