Automated Bag Loading System With Detection Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated bag loading systems are inefficient due to inaccuracies in bag placement, often failing to pick bags accurately and requiring semi-accurate shingling, leading to scrap bags and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated bag loading system with a detection device that tracks the location of bags between a conveyor belt and a transfer arm, using a pivotable picking head to transition bags from horizontal to vertical orientation, and a controller to ensure precise placement within rotary bag grippers, minimizing errors and improving overall efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated bag loading system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies in bag placement and picking
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection devices that continuously monitor bag location and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to transfer arm positioning and picking head movements, ensuring accurate bag placement while maintaining high-speed automated operation. The detection system tracks bag position from the conveyor through the transfer arm to the final placement point, correcting any deviations automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual shingling and bag placement operations with an automated transfer arm system controlled by detection devices. The mechanical system includes a pivotable picking head that can transition between horizontal and vertical orientations, automatically grabbing bags from the conveyor and placing them in the rotary bag gripper with precise positioning, eliminating the need for semi-accurate manual shingling.
2Manufacturing precision
If detection system is added to track bag location, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices serve multiple functions within the system: they track bag location on the conveyor, monitor bag position during transfer arm movement, verify proper placement in the rotary gripper, and provide data for controller adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems for each stage, managing complexity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the detection system with the control system, where detection devices are strategically positioned at key points (conveyor, transfer arm, rotary gripper) and their signals are processed by a centralized controller. This merging of detection and control functions streamlines the system architecture, reducing overall complexity compared to having independent systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transfer arm with pivotable picking head is used, then adaptability is improved for different bag orientations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The picking head is designed with dynamic capability to pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different bag orientations on the conveyor and properly position bags for the rotary gripper. The pivotable mechanism is controlled by the system controller based on detection device feedback, enabling flexible handling without requiring multiple fixed-position picking heads.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic bag loading system includes a transfer arm configured to grab a bag and transfer the bag from a conveyor a bag gripper, which then rotates the bag to a filling station. The system further includes a detection device to detect a location of a leading edge of the bag between the conveyor and the bag gripper.