Big Bag Filling Feed Pipe Adjustment for Variable Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accommodating big bags of varying heights and enabling robot-assisted filling, particularly when space is limited between the dosage unit and the underlying surface.
Innovation Solution
The distance between the lower rim of the feed pipe and the dosage unit is adjusted by replacing or extending the feed pipe using a carousel magazine or elevator system, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of feed pipes of different lengths without manual handling of heavy objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the feed pipe length is fixed and the system has limited distance between the dosage unit and the underlying surface, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate big bags of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pipe is divided into multiple sections that can be individually adjusted or replaced. This allows the feed pipe length to be modified to accommodate different big bag heights without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The feed pipe is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic modification of its length and position. This enables the system to adapt to varying big bag heights by reconfiguring the feed pipe arrangement, transforming a static system into a flexible one that can respond to different operational requirements
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of heavy feed pipes is used for adjustment, then the system structure is simple, but operator safety and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical handling of heavy feed pipes is replaced with an automated exchange mechanism. The system uses mechanical devices to automatically position, support, and replace feed pipes, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy objects at elevated heights, thus improving ease of operation while addressing safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs feed pipe exchange operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The automated mechanism handles the entire process of removing old feed pipes and installing new ones, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining its components and eliminating manual labor risks
3Extent of automation
If robot-assisted placement is implemented, then productivity and automation are improved, but the system requires sufficient space between the dosage unit and the underlying surface
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pipe is segmented into adjustable sections that can be reconfigured to optimize vertical space utilization. This allows robot-assisted placement operations to be performed within limited space by adjusting the feed pipe arrangement to fit the available vertical distance between the dosage unit and the underlying surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the vertical dimension by adjusting feed pipe length and positioning to accommodate robot operations within limited vertical space. By carefully managing the vertical arrangement of components and making the feed pipe adjustable, the system creates sufficient operational envelope for robot-assisted placement without requiring excessive vertical clearance
4Adaptability or versatility
If the feed pipe is made adjustable to accommodate varying bag heights, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of material flow disruption and system reliability issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks and preparations before feed pipe adjustment or replacement operations. This includes verifying material flow paths, ensuring proper pipe connections, and confirming that adjustments will not disrupt ongoing filling operations, thus maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism or device is introduced to facilitate feed pipe adjustments while maintaining material flow continuity. This intermediary component ensures that changes in feed pipe configuration do not create disruptions in the material flow path, acting as a buffer or transition element that preserves system reliability during adaptability changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for (1) for filling of big bags (4) of various heights with material and a method for adjusting thereof, wherein a big bag (4) is to be placed with its filling spout (3) around an outer pipe (6) and the bottom (2) of the big bag (4) rests on an underlying surface (7). The outer pipe (6) is telescopically engaged to a feed pipe (5). The feed pipe (5) is in sections extendible. The feed pipe (5) is designed to fill a determined quantity of material in a vertical stream from an overlying dosage unit (8) via the outer pipe (6) and down into the big bag (4). The feed pipe (5) at its upper connection (5.3) includes at least one radial continuous interface surface design to attach to another feed pipe's (5.2) downward facing rim (5.6) or to the underside of the dosage unit (8.2).