Coffee Pod Packaging Unit with Integrated Stacking Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pod packaging machines are cumbersome due to conveyor systems required for transporting stacked pods to packaging units, leading to inefficient handling and incorrect arrangement of pods in bags, resulting in increased machine size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact packaging unit with a stacking station equipped with a guiding and controlling device that handles and positions pod stacks directly into bag-like packets, using a vertical channel and pusher element to ensure accurate and controlled placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conveyor means are used to transport pod stacks from the making machine to packaging units, then the pods can be moved between stations, but the overall dimensions of the machine increase greatly and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging unit is integrated directly into the pod making machine, eliminating the need for separate conveyor systems. The stacking station and packaging unit share the same structural framework, merging transport and packaging functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex conveyor means are completely removed from the system. Instead, a simple vertical channel and pusher element are used to transfer pods directly from the stacking station to the packaging unit, extracting the problematic transport mechanism while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conveyor means are used to transport pod stacks, then pods can be moved between stations, but the overall dimensions of the machine increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The pod transfer mechanism uses a vertical channel instead of horizontal conveyor movement. Pods are moved vertically from the stacking station to the packaging unit through the channel, changing the dimension of motion from horizontal to vertical and reducing the machine's horizontal footprint.
3Device complexity
If pods are gravity fed into bags, then the handling process is simple, but the pods are incorrectly arranged in the bags
Solution Approach 1:
A pusher element acts as an intermediary between the stacking station and the bag. This simple mechanical component guides and pushes pods into the correct position within the bag, ensuring proper arrangement without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Pods are pre-stacked in a controlled manner at the stacking station before being transferred to the bag. This preliminary stacking ensures that pods are already arranged in the correct configuration before the final placement into the bag, guaranteeing proper arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit (100) for packaging articles (1) containing a product for infusion, preferably filter paper coffee pods (1), is of the type comprising at least one operating stacking station (8) for stacking the pods (1) in such a way as to form at least one stack (1a, 1b) of pods (1). The stacking station (8) comprises a device (9) for handling the pods (1) which guides and controls the stack (1a, 1b) of pods (1) as it is fed into a respective bag-like packet (11).