Bagging Machine Automatic Film Coil Replacement Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bagging machines require manual replacement of film coils, leading to significant downtime and economic losses due to the time-consuming process of removing residual film and inserting new coils.

Innovation Solution

A bagging machine equipped with an unwinding and replacement unit that automatically ejects and replaces film coils, featuring a 'V' arrangement of unwinding belts and a storage system for replacement coils, allowing for continuous operation by switching between unwinding and ejection positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual replacement of film coils is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to significant downtime during coil replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine operational continuityVSAvoidunwinding and replacement unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unwinding and replacement unit is divided into functionally independent modules: a first unwinding member for dispensing film, a second unwinding member for supporting the coil, and an ejection mechanism for removing spent coils. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling automated replacement operations that maintain productivity without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by positioning the first unwinding member to assume a first position for unwinding the coil before bagging operations begin. When the film is exhausted, the system automatically transitions the first unwinding member to a second position to eject the spent coil and prepare for replacement, eliminating downtime without manual intervention and maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic coil replacement is implemented, then productivity increases by eliminating downtime, but device complexity increases due to additional unwinding members and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidunwinding and replacement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first unwinding member serves multiple functions: it unwinds the film during normal bagging operations, detects when the film is exhausted, positions itself to eject the spent coil, and prepares the system for the next coil installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby increasing productivity while limiting the growth of device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The unwinding and replacement unit operates autonomously through self-service mechanisms. The system automatically detects film exhaustion, transitions between operational modes, ejects spent coils, and positions replacement coils without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates downtime and maintains continuous productivity while the standardized automated process prevents complexity from becoming unmanageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If manual coil replacement procedure is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to the time-consuming replacement process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil replacement downtimeVSAvoidautomated replacement system operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. Sensors detect film exhaustion and automatically trigger the unwinding member to transition positions, eject the spent coil, and prepare for replacement. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with an integrated control system eliminates time loss during coil replacement while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making and execution.

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

4Extent of automation

If the first unwinding member transitions between positions, then automatic coil replacement is achieved, but device complexity increases due to movable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic coil replacementVSAvoidmovable unwinding member mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first unwinding member is designed as a dynamic component that can assume different positions: a first position for unwinding the film during bagging operations and a second position for ejecting spent coils. This dynamic positioning capability enables automatic coil replacement by allowing the same component to perform multiple functions at different operational stages, achieving high extent of automation while managing device complexity through versatile component design rather than multiple fixed components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3868692B1Improved bagging machine and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 TEKNOMAC
  • EP3868692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3868692B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bagging machine (1), for bagging an item, such as a mattress (M) and the like, by means of the film (61, 62) of at least one coil (8, 9) winded on a tubular cardboard (82, 92), wherein said bagging machine (1) comprises at least one unwinding and replacement unit (3, 4) of a respective coil (8, 9) housed in said at least one unwinding and replacement unit (3, 4), having at least one first unwinding member (311), characterized in that said at least one first unwinding member (311, 411) is capable of assuming a first position, in which it is configured for unwinding the coil (8, 9) for bagging said item (M) to be bagged, and a second position, in which, when the film of said coil (8, 9) is finished or no longer sufficient for bagging an item (M), it ejects the tubular cardboard (82, 92) of said finished coil (8, 9). The present invention also relates to an operating method of a bagging machine (1).