Bag Transport Grasp Before Closure for Folded Element Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying a folded element to packages with flexible material, especially those with a one-dimensional bottom, are complex and inefficient, requiring manual handling and lacking precision.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first station for closing the bag, a second station for applying the folded element, and transport means that grasp the bag before closure to ensure precise application of the folded element to both two-dimensional and one-dimensional bags, using a welder and gripping elements to facilitate automated and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used to apply the folded element to the bag, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into distinct functional stations: a first station for closing the bag, a second station for applying the folded element, and transport means in between. This segmentation allows each station to be optimized independently and enables automated operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity by organizing complexity into modular functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is grasped by the transport means before the closing operation at the first station, and the folded element is applied at the second station after the bag is closed. This preliminary positioning and sequencing of operations enables automated handling and improves productivity by preparing components in advance and eliminating manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bag is grasped after closure is finished, then the closing operation can be completed first, but positioning precision for the folded element application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transport means grasp the bag at the first station before the closing operation is finished, enabling precise positioning to be established in advance. This preliminary grasping ensures that when the bag is transported to the second station for folded element application, the positioning is already optimized, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport means continue to grasp the bag throughout the entire process - from the first station during closing, through transport to the second station, and during the folded element application. This continuous grasping maintains positioning precision without interrupting the workflow, enabling automated efficient operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-dimensional bottom bag is used, then material usage is reduced and simplicity is improved, but the package cannot stand up on its own
Solution Approach 1:
The folded element is applied outside the bag, with its first portion extending along the first face and second portion along the second face, creating a nested configuration where the folded element provides structural support while the bag remains simple. This resolves the contradiction by adding minimal structural complexity through the folded element rather than changing the bag's one-dimensional bottom design.
4Ease of manufacture
If information is printed directly on the bag faces, then the packaging process is simplified, but the flexible material does not provide a good support for printing
Solution Approach 1:
The folded element serves as an intermediary carrier for product information, manufactured from rigid material that provides excellent printing support. Information is printed on this intermediary folded element rather than directly on the flexible bag material, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity by using the folded element as an information-bearing mediator.
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
Enables efficient and precise application of the folded element to bags with either two-dimensional or one-dimensional bottoms, improving the packaging process by allowing for automated handling and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The upper end can for example correspond to a welded area so as to close the bag of the package
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention comprises a system (1) for producing packages (1000) comprising a bag (100) of flexible material comprising a first face (101) and a second face (102) and an element (200) folded along a folding line (203). The system (1) comprises a first station (130) comprising closing means (132) configured so as to close said bag (100), a second station (140) comprising application means (11, 12a, 12b, 13, 14) configured so as to apply said folded element (200) to said bag (100), and transport means (160) configured so as to transport said bag (100) from said first station (130) to said second station (140). In such system the transport means (160) are configured so as to grasp said bag (100), at said first station (130) before the closure of said bag (100) by means of said closing means (132) is finished, and to transport it from said first station (130) to said second station (140) continuing to grasp it.