Integrated Bag Filling and Sealing Machine with Coupled Retaining Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bag filling and sealing technologies require multiple stations and complex handling processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a sealing bar, pressure bar, actuator, and retaining means that allows for simultaneous filling and sealing of bags by moving the sealing bar and pressure bar relative to each other, with mechanical coupling enabling the opening and closing of the bag's filling openings, facilitating a compact and efficient operation without transferring the bag between stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple stations are used for filling and sealing operations, then the bag can be processed through dedicated stations, but the device complexity and handling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filling station and sealing station into a single integrated device. The sealing bar and pressure bar are positioned adjacent to each other within the same device housing, allowing both filling and sealing operations to be performed in one location without transferring the bag between separate stations. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent stations while maintaining reliable processing through coordinated operation of the bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions within a single unit: the first retaining means holds the bag during filling, the sealing bar performs sealing operations, and the pressure bar applies pressure during both filling and sealing. The mechanical coupling system coordinates these different functions, allowing the device to handle both filling and sealing tasks universally without requiring separate specialized stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple stations are used for filling and sealing, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the handling time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidhandling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous operation by eliminating the transfer time between separate filling and sealing stations. The bag remains in position within the same device, allowing the filling operation to transition directly into the sealing operation without interruption. The mechanical coupling ensures that the retaining means, sealing bar, and pressure bar coordinate their actions continuously, maintaining productive operation throughout the entire process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Volume of moving object

If the sealing bar and pressure bar are positioned close to each other, then the device becomes compact, but the bag handling and opening/closing mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidmechanical coupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling system is nested within the compact device structure. The coupling mechanism is integrated into the housing and connects the sealing bar and pressure bar assemblies in a space-efficient manner. This nesting allows the complex mechanical coupling to be contained within the compact overall device volume without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2666726B1Filling and sealing machine and method for filling and sealing of a bag
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 ATLACON BV
  • EP2666726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2666726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2666726B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An apparatus for filling and sealing a bag with a filling opening, comprising a drive which is arranged for moving a sealing bar (13) relative to a pressure bar (23) between a clamping position and a rest position, first retaining means (11, 21) and second retaining means (12, 22) for retaining the bag on both sides of the filling opening, a drive and a mechanical coupling for coupling the movement of the clamping position to the rest position of the sealing and/or pressure bar to a movement of the first retaining means with respect to the second retaining means.