Bag Closure Applying Unit with Side-Engaging Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing semiautomatic bag closing machines require a large space for the fork-shaped engaging member and are sensitive to displacement, leading to improper functioning due to undesired movement of spring-suspended components.

Innovation Solution

A bag closure applying unit with an engaging arm that engages the strip of bag closures at a longitudinal side, reducing the necessary space and stabilizing the machine by using a moving mechanism with two engaging arms and a drive system that converts rotational motion into linear motion, minimizing space requirements and maintaining proper tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fork-shaped engaging member is used to engage the strip of bag closures from below, then the strip can be moved through the guiding channel, but the engaging member requires a relatively large space to perform the requested motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to move strip through channelVSAvoidspace required for moving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of engaging the strip from below with a fork-shaped member, the patent engages the strip from the longitudinal sides. This inversion of the engagement approach allows the engaging arms to move within the same plane as the strip, significantly reducing the space required for the moving mechanism while maintaining the ability to move the strip through the guiding channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimension of engagement from vertical (below the strip) to lateral (longitudinal sides). By engaging at the longitudinal sides where notches are provided, the engaging arms operate in a different spatial dimension, reducing the vertical space requirement and allowing for a more compact machine design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of moving mechanismVSAvoidsensitivity to displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the approach by using a drive system that converts rotational motion into linear motion, eliminating the need for spring-suspended components. This inversion removes the source of displacement sensitivity while maintaining the functionality of the moving mechanism through a more stable mechanical advantage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the spring-suspended mechanical system with a rotational-to-linear motion conversion system. This substitution eliminates the displacement-sensitive spring components while maintaining the necessary moving mechanism functionality through a more stable mechanical advantage arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If the engaging arm engages the strip at the longitudinal side, then less space is needed for the moving mechanism, but the engagement point must be precisely located at notches/indentations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace required for mechanismVSAvoidpositioning accuracy at notches

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notches or indentations provided in the strip of bag closures at transitions between consecutive bag closures serve as self-aligning features. The engaging arms automatically engage at these pre-defined locations, eliminating the need for external positioning mechanisms and reducing the precision requirements for the engaging arm positioning while maintaining compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11465793B2Bag closure applying unit and bag closure device with such bag closure applying unit

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 HERMAN-WOUTERS MARTINE MARIE YVONNE

AI summary

A bag closure applying unit is provided for attaching a bag closure, for example, a “Kwik Lok” type and/or “Schutte” type of bag closure, to a bag. The bag closure applying unit includes 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. The guiding channel is configured for receiving a strip of bag closures. The bag closure applying unit further includes a moving mechanism configured for engaging the strip of bag closures and for moving the strip of bag closures through the guiding channel. The moving mechanism includes two engaging arms for engaging the strip of bag closures. The engaging arms are configured to engage the strip of bag closures at the longitudinal sides thereof.