Carousel Packaging Machine Sealing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for packaging filter bags with infusion products and outer wrapper envelopes have increased dimensions and costs due to separate and dispersed sealing units, leading to lower packet quality and more complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A machine with sealing units positioned along a circular operating path on a carrousel, allowing for the simultaneous sealing of the outer wrapper sheet's longitudinal and transversal edges while the filter bag and wrapper are still on the carrousel, eliminating intermediate transit steps and reducing machine dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate and dispersed sealing units are used for sealing longitudinal and transversal edges of the outer wrapper, then the sealing operations can be performed at different stations, but the machine dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing units (first sealing unit for longitudinal edges and second sealing unit for transversal edges) into a single integrated station on the carrousel. This merging allows both sealing operations to be performed at one location rather than requiring separate dispersed stations, thereby reducing machine dimensions and structural complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The carrousel station is designed to accommodate multiple sealing units with different functions (longitudinal sealing and transversal sealing) in close proximity. This multi-functional station can perform various sealing operations sequentially or simultaneously on the same wrapper, eliminating the need for separate dedicated stations for each sealing type
2Ease of manufacture
If intermediate transit steps are used to move the wrapper between sealing stations, then the sealing operations can be performed separately, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the longitudinal sealing and transversal sealing operations into a single stationary location on the carrousel. The wrapper remains on the carrousel throughout both sealing operations without requiring intermediate removal and repositioning, thereby eliminating transit steps and reducing production time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrousel positions the wrapper in advance at the correct orientation for the first sealing operation, then automatically repositions it for the second sealing operation without requiring intermediate transit. This preliminary positioning and sequential processing eliminates waiting and transit time, improving productivity while keeping the process straightforward
3Reliability
If multiple separate sealing stations are positioned at different points on the machine, then the sealing operations can be specialized, but the machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing units (first sealing unit with first sealing element and second sealing unit with second sealing element) into a compact arrangement at a single location on the carrousel. This merging maintains the specialization and reliability of separate sealing functions while concentrating them in one area, thereby avoiding the need for a long machine with dispersed stations
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional components and transit steps are added for moving the wrapper between stations, then the sealing operations can be performed separately, but the machine costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing units and their control mechanisms into a single integrated station on the carrousel. This consolidation maintains the adaptability to perform different sealing configurations (longitudinal, transversal, or both) while reducing the total number of separate components and eliminating the need for intermediate transit mechanisms, thereby reducing overall machine complexity and cost
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 configuration reduces machine size, simplifies the structure, and enhances packet quality by enabling rapid and flexible sealing operations directly on the carrousel, reducing the need for additional components and transit steps.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing units being designed to join at least two longitudinal end edges of the outer wrapper sheet which is positioned, together with the filter bag, on the carrousel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A machine for packaging filter bags (1) for products for infusion in related closed outer wrappers (2) comprises: a carrousel (6) for moving the filter bag (1) along a circular operating path (C); a wrapping station (7) positioned along the operating path (C) for folding a flat sheet (2) of outer wrapper material along a transversal axis around the filter bag (1) thus forming a "U"-shaped outer wrapper around the filter bag (1); sealing units (9) operating on the sheet (2) folded in a "U"-shape, for forming an individual closed outer wrapper; the sealing units (9) being positioned along the circular operating path (C), downstream of the wrapping station (7), and being designed to join at least two longitudinal end edges (2a, 2b) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) which is positioned, together with the filter bag (1), on the carrousel (6).