Collapsible Container Filling via Two-Direction Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines for collapsible containers are costly and have limited high-capacity filling capabilities due to their complex design.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that involves transporting a web of interconnected collapsible containers in two directions: first longitudinally to remove end seals and disengage containers, and then transversely for filling and sealing, utilizing a first transport unit with a cutting and separating station, and a second unit with a filling and sealing station, optimizing container movement for efficient filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional filling machine design is used, then the filling process can be completed, but the device complexity and investment cost are relatively considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The filling machine is divided into two independent transport units: a first transport unit for longitudinal web transport and container separation, and a second transport unit for transverse container transport to filling positions. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity through coordinated operation of multiple simple units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a two-directional transport system where containers are first transported longitudinally (first direction) for seal removal and separation, then transported transversely (second direction perpendicular to first) to filling positions. This dimensional change enables high-capacity filling by efficiently organizing container flow without requiring complex single-direction mechanisms
2Productivity
If containers are transported only in one direction, then the transport system is simpler, but the filling capacity and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system uses two perpendicular directions: first direction for longitudinal web feeding and container separation, second direction (transverse) for moving separated containers to filling positions. This two-dimensional approach increases filling capacity by enabling parallel processing of multiple containers simultaneously without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transport function is segmented into two distinct units: first transport unit handling longitudinal movement and separation, second transport unit handling transverse movement to filling stations. Each unit performs a specific function, reducing individual unit complexity while achieving high overall productivity through their coordinated operation
3Productivity
If end seals are removed after container separation, then the filling duct remains sealed longer, but the filling process becomes less efficient and requires longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The end seal removal is performed as a preliminary action during the longitudinal transport phase, before containers reach the filling positions. The cutting station removes end seals from multiple containers simultaneously while they are being transported in the first direction, so that when containers are transferred to the second transport unit, they are already ready for immediate filling, eliminating waiting time and improving filling efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for filling containers (2) of a collapsible type, comprising the steps of providing a web (10) which includes said containers (2) in an interconnected state, feeding said web (10) for transporting said containers (2) in a first direction (P1), removing, during said transport in said first direction (P1), an end seal provided on each container (2) for opening a filling duct, disengaging, during said transport in said first direction, the containers (2) from one another, and subsequently transporting the containers (2) in a second direction (P2) transverse to said first direction (P1 ) and filling, during the transport in said second direction (P2), each container (2) with a liquid product. The invention further relates to a device for filling containers of a collapsible type.