Carousel Packaging Machine Saddle Plier Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carousel-type automatic packaging machines face issues with the external positioning of filling devices, leading to inaccurate distribution and potential breakage of bags during filling, as well as increased radial volume due to the need for additional support surfaces under the bags.

Innovation Solution

The machine incorporates saddles with a central fixed plier and lateral mobile pliers, actuated by a worm-type mechanism, which adjust the distance and open the bag, integrated with a central basket-like structure supporting control devices for the mobile pliers, allowing for simultaneous adjustment and opening functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If filling devices are positioned externally to the saddles, then the machine structure is simplified, but the distribution accuracy decreases and bags are at risk of breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddistribution accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filling device is merged with the saddle structure, positioned internally rather than externally. This integration ensures that the filling nozzle is precisely aligned with the bag opening during the filling operation, eliminating the accuracy problems associated with external positioning while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If support surfaces are added under the bags for external filling devices, then filling stability is improved, but the radial volume of the machine increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling stabilityVSAvoidradial volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the saddle structure itself. The saddle provides both the gripping function for the bag and the support surface during filling, eliminating the need for separate support surfaces and thus avoiding the increase in radial volume while maintaining filling stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for adjustment and opening functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile pliers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as adjustment devices (to modify the distance between pliers according to bag size) and as opening devices (to open the bag at the filling station). This single component performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, reducing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism and opening mechanism are merged into a single mobile pliers assembly. The same mechanical structure that adjusts the plier distance also performs the opening action, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and opening devices mentioned in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design minimizes the radial volume of the machine, reduces the risk of bag breakage, and ensures accurate bag handling by integrating adjustment and opening mechanisms within the plier system, enhancing operational efficiency and stability.

Implementation Method 1

actuated by a worm-type mechanism, which adjust the distance and open the bag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP2288549B1Carousel-type automatic packaging machine of products in bags
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 PERFECT PACK SRL
  • EP2288549B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2288549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2288549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a carousel-type automatic packaging machine (m) of products in bags (s), comprising a series of pairs of grab pliers, each of them being designed to grab a single bag (s) and installed in saddles (4) used to move it through the various filling and sealing stations (sr).