Continuous Capsule Packaging Machine with Vertical Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for packaging single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages are low in productivity per unit time, cumbersome, and costly due to their step-by-step operation and increased number of operating stations.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a continuously moving transport element, featuring a belt and support elements forming seats with a vertical development axis, allowing for a compact structure with reduced operating stations and high production speeds, enabling flexible path geometry and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor is made wider to form multiple juxtaposed rows of seats, then productivity per unit time is improved, but the machine becomes more cumbersome, expensive, and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple rows of seats to a vertical stacking arrangement. The conveyor belt is configured to move rigid bodies through stations arranged vertically, with the belt looping around pulleys at different heights. This dimensional change allows multiple processing positions to be achieved without increasing horizontal footprint or requiring multiple parallel conveyor systems, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing complexity and cost.
2Productivity
If the conveyor is made wider to form multiple juxtaposed rows of seats, then productivity per unit time is improved, but the number of operating stations increases, leading to higher costs and increased shutdown risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing functions into a single integrated conveyor system with vertical station arrangement. Instead of having separate parallel conveyor systems or multiple rows of stations that would increase the number of independent components and potential failure points, the invention combines all processing stations (dosing, closing, drawing) along a single vertical path, reducing the total number of operating stations and improving reliability.
3Productivity
If step-by-step operation is used with multiple rows of seats, then productivity is improved, but the machine structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous motion of the conveyor belt instead of step-by-step operation. The belt moves continuously around vertical pulleys, carrying rigid bodies through all processing stations in a continuous flow. This dynamic continuous operation eliminates the need for complex indexing mechanisms, start-stop controls, and synchronization systems required by step-by-step operation, thereby simplifying the machine structure and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for packaging single use capsules (1) for extraction or infusion beverages, such as coffee, milk, chocolate, tea, or combinations thereof, includes: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid bodies (2) of the capsules (1) and closed in a loop around movement organs (9) with vertical axis (Z9), to move the transport element (8) continuously, the transport element (8) being configured to define a plurality of seats (10) for the rigid bodies (2), arranged in succession one after the other and having a vertical development axis (Z10); a plurality of stations, arranged along an advancement path (P) followed by the transport element (8), configured to operate continuously and in phase with the transport element (8) and including: a feeding station (11) for feeding the rigid bodies (2) within the corresponding seats (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12); a closing station (13); an outfeed station (14).