Capsule Lidding With Vertical Cutting and Carousel Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging processes for capsules, such as infusion type capsules, face challenges in efficiently transferring and applying laminar lids at high speeds while minimizing space and ensuring precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
The use of a packaging apparatus with a cutting device that tensioned a strip over a vertical cutting plane, combined with a carousel-like transfer device featuring moving transfer members with gripping heads, allows for the rapid transfer and application of laminar lids in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional cutting device operates on a horizontal plane, then the cutting process is simple, but the overall dimensions of the packaging apparatus become large and the transfer speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting plane is changed from horizontal to vertical orientation. This dimensional change allows the strip to be fed vertically through the cutting device, enabling the carousel transfer device to operate in a compact horizontal footprint while maintaining high cutting and transfer speeds. The vertical cutting plane resolves the contradiction by reorganizing the spatial arrangement of components.
2Volume of moving object
If the packaging apparatus is designed with compact dimensions, then space is minimized, but the speed of lid transfer and application becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device employs moving transfer members that dynamically adjust their position and orientation to optimize the transfer path. The carousel mechanism rotates to bring gripping heads into position, and the transfer members move synchronously with the rotating carousel, enabling high-speed operation within a compact footprint. This dynamic design allows the apparatus to maintain high transfer speeds without requiring large dimensions.
3Productivity
If high-speed packaging is implemented, then productivity increases, but the precision of lid positioning and capsule alignment becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the position of the strip, the cutting process, and the transfer of lids to capsules. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time adjustments to maintain precise alignment and positioning even at high operating speeds. The system can detect and correct deviations, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the high-speed packaging process.
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
This solution enables high-speed packaging with reduced overall dimensions, allowing for flexible adaptation to different lid and capsule formats, and increases the flow rate of laminar lids, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting device (162) comprising a tensioning and transport mechanism for said strip (3), so that a segment thereof is tensioned over a respective cutting plane
Implementation Method 2
each moving transfer member (11) having one or more gripping heads (14), apt to receive a respective laminar lid (2) from said cutting device (162)
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus and a packaging process of capsules with an opening closed by a laminar lid obtained by cutting a strip, the ability of transporting the laminar lids in several lines is introduced, reducing the overall dimensions. The apparatus includes: a cutting device with a mechanism defining a portion of the strip where the strip is tensioned in a respective cutting plane, and one or more punches obtaining the laminar lids from the strip; a carousel-like transfer device, having transfer members movable along a closed path, with gripping heads configured to receive respective laminar lids from the cutting device. The cutting plane is in a vertical position, and the mutual position of the cutting device and the transfer device defines a gripping spot of the closed path, the laminar lids being retained in the transfer members on a respective plane in a vertical position.