Bag-In-Box Assembly Apparatus Preventing Bag Pinching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag-in-box packaging systems face challenges in assembling and filling due to difficulties in inserting the bag into the box and locating the spout for a fixed outside tap, leading to issues like bag pinching and potential fractures during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a probe that extends into the bag through the spout to elongate it, allowing the bag to be inserted into the box without pinching, followed by attaching the collar, and optionally inflating the bag to match the box's shape, ensuring proper engagement and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bag is manually inserted into the fully assembled box, then the assembly process can be completed, but the bag may be pinched and fractured during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The box is assembled in a flat-packed state before bag insertion, preparing the receiving structure in advance to accommodate the bag without pinching during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The box is divided into separate panels that can be articulated from flat-packed to assembled state, allowing the bag to be inserted through an opening before final sealing
2Ease of manufacture
If the box is articulated from flat pack with the bag in place, then the package can be assembled, but the bag is compromised by pinching during articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The box structure is prepared in flat-packed form with opening accessible, allowing bag insertion before the box panels are articulated into final configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional sequence is inverted: instead of inserting bag into assembled box, the box is assembled around the already-inserted bag by articulating panels from flat-packed state
3Ease of operation
If a frangible element is used to retain the folded bag, then the bag can be held in position, but breaking the frangible element requires a puff of air at pressure which may cause issues
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible retention element is removed entirely from the system, replacing it with a simpler elastic bias mechanism that naturally maintains bag position without requiring breakable components
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bias member automatically maintains the bag in the desired position through its inherent elastic force, eliminating the need for external retention mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A bag-in-box assembly apparatus comprising a frame, an insertion assembly and assembly urging arms. The bag-in-box assembly apparatus is configured for use in association with a bag-in-box package having a box with an opening and a bag having a spout. A collar is coupled to the spout of the bag and the also interfaces with the opening of the box. The assembly apparatus is utilized to couple the collar to the bag, inserting the bag into the box and coupling the collar to the box.