Bag Stocking Mechanism with Inversion for Thickness Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag supplying apparatuses face challenges in continuously stocking a large number of bags, particularly zipper bags and gusset bags, due to variations in thickness, leading to improper positioning and incorrect suction, which limits the number of bags that can be stocked simultaneously and requires frequent refilling.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a bag stocking unit with a mechanism to equalize the thickness of bags by laterally reversing the openings and bottoms, a bag pickup unit, a bag orientation detection unit, and a bag turning unit to ensure proper alignment and orientation of bags before transport to a packaging machine, allowing for continuous operation with reduced refilling needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of bags are stocked vertically in a standing position, then the number of bags that can be supplied continuously increases, but variations in bag thickness cause improper positioning and incorrect suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by laterally reversing every other bag in the vertical stack. Instead of attempting to compensate for thickness variations through complex positioning mechanisms, the invention reverses the orientation of alternating bags so that thick and thin bags alternate in the stack. This inversion strategy equalizes the overall thickness profile, enabling reliable suction and positioning of the front bag while maintaining a large inventory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of alternating bags by 180 degrees around the vertical axis. This parameter change transforms the thickness variation pattern from a cumulative effect to an alternating pattern, where thick and thin bags compensate for each other. The result is a more uniform front surface that allows consistent positioning and suction operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If bags are stocked without equalizing thickness variations, then the stocking process is simple, but curvature issues occur and pickup efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains stocking simplicity by using a straightforward lateral reversal mechanism for alternating bags, rather than implementing complex curvature correction systems. The inversion approach naturally prevents curvature issues that would otherwise require elaborate mechanical corrections, thereby preserving ease of manufacture while dramatically improving pickup efficiency through proper bag alignment.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the number of refilling operations is reduced, then continuous operation time increases, but the bag stocking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends continuous operation time by enabling a large number of bags to be stocked reliably using a relatively simple inversion mechanism. Rather than adding complex automated refilling systems, the invention uses lateral reversal of alternating bags to create a stable, thick-equalized stack that can be continuously supplied. This approach achieves extended operational duration with minimal increase in mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supplying a large amount of bags includes: a bag stocking mechanism that stocks a large amount of raised bags and guides the stocked bags to the front end thereof; and a bag transport mechanism that transports the bags of the bag stocking mechanism to a packaging machine. The apparatus further includes, a bag pickup mechanism and a bag delivery mechanism that pick up the bag from the bag stocking mechanism; a detection unit that detects the orientation of the picked up bag; and a bag turning mechanism that turns the bag in the predetermined transport direction of the bag transport mechanism according to the orientation of the bag detected by the detection unit.