Bag Lining Machine Articulated Gripping Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment for automating the lining of packaging cartons with stacked bags is costly due to the need for fragile zones on the bags, which increases manufacturing costs and does not optimize the available volume for product packaging.

Innovation Solution

A machine with an articulated gripping device that performs horizontal and vertical movements to separate and insert bags into cartons without pre-weakening, combined with a shaper that presses the bag against the carton walls to ensure optimal volume utilization and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fragile zones are created on the bags to enable automated release, then automated bag release is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated bag releaseVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fragile zone requirement from the bag design by transferring the separation function to the gripping device itself. The articulated gripping device with its movable arm and suction cup performs the separation action externally, eliminating the need for pre-created fragile zones on the bags while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical fragile zone structure with a pneumatic-suction-based gripping system. Instead of relying on pre-weakened bag structures, the system uses controlled suction and mechanical articulation to achieve bag release, substituting a more complex gripping mechanism for a simpler bag design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If bags are stacked on support rods for automated processing, then automation is improved, but bag separation becomes difficult without fragile zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated bag processingVSAvoidbag separation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic movement to the gripping device, specifically a movable arm that can articulate between different positions. This dynamic capability allows the device to approach the bag stack, engage the top bag, and perform separation movements without requiring static fragile zones, thereby simplifying the bag design while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated gripping device acts as an intermediary between the support rods and the bags. Instead of directly manipulating the bags from the support rod configuration, the movable gripping device with suction cup mediates the separation process, enabling automated processing without requiring complex bag structures or direct manipulation of the support rod system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the bag insertion process is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag insertion processVSAvoidbag positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of sensors that detect the presence and position of bags and cartons. This feedback allows the control system to adjust the gripping force, movement speed, and positioning of the articulated device, ensuring precise bag placement even though the bag design itself is simplified without fragile zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 machine allows for reproducible and precise bag placement within cartons, optimizing the packaging volume and reducing costs by eliminating the need for pre-weakened zones, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of product packaging.

Implementation Method 1

The first translational movement carried out by the articulated gripping device results from suction, by conventional means which said gripping device comprises, of the front sheet of the bag to be gripped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2363281B1Machine and method for lining packing boxes with plastic bags
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 G J NIEUWENHUIS HLDG
  • EP2363281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2363281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2363281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The machine according to the invention lines cardboard boxes (2) traveling on a conveyor (1) with plastic bags (3) stored stacked in a bag magazine. The bags are threaded onto support rods through suspension loops located near their upper edge. The machine comprises an articulated device (4) for gripping each bag individually, as well as a former (5) for placing each bag individually into the boxes. It uses simple and inexpensive bags with no other weak points than those resulting from the presence of their suspension loops.