Continuous Filter Bag Forming Machine with Multi-Plane Carousel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for forming filter bags for infusion products operate intermittently, limiting their productivity and flexibility, and are not capable of efficiently producing both single-chamber and double-chamber filter bags with high quality and reduced dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a continuous operation system featuring multiple rotating carousels, gripping means, and translation devices that allow for independent operation of various stations along the carousel, enabling the formation of different types of filter bags, including single-chamber and double-chamber with tie strings and overwrapping, by positioning operating stations and gripping means on different vertical planes for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates intermittently with stepwise operation at each station, then the quality of filter bag formation is maintained, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation of the filter bag formation process through a carousel system that processes multiple filter bags simultaneously at different stations. The carousel rotates continuously, allowing each station to operate without interruption while maintaining quality control through synchronized operation. This eliminates the stop-start nature of intermittent operation while preserving formation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the filter bag formation process into multiple independent stations (folding station, string application station, tag application station, overwrapping station) arranged around a carousel. Each station can operate independently and continuously, with the carousel coordinating their sequential processing. This segmentation allows continuous operation at all stations while maintaining quality through specialized dedicated equipment at each station.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stations are arranged along a feed line with stepwise operation, then various filter bag types can be produced, but the machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of stations along a feed line to a circular carousel arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple stations to be positioned radially around a central axis, significantly reducing the overall machine footprint while maintaining the ability to process multiple filter bag types through the carousel's rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel system serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of filter bag formation operations (folding, string application, tag application, overwrapping) within a compact circular arrangement. The same carousel structure handles all operations, providing versatility without requiring separate dedicated machines for each function, thereby reducing overall machine dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If a carousel with radially protruding grippers is used to receive and rotate filter paper, then individual pieces can be processed sequentially, but the operation remains intermittent and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the carousel system to enable continuous rotation and continuous processing. Instead of intermittent stepwise movement, the carousel rotates continuously, and multiple filter bags are processed in parallel at different angular positions. The gripping mechanism maintains continuous contact with the filter bags throughout the rotation, eliminating idle time and enabling uninterrupted production while preserving the ability to handle individual pieces.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for forming filter bags for infusion products including a first movement carousel rotating continuously about a first axis of rotation; a plurality of first gripping means positioned along, and movable continuously with, the first carousel; a plurality of first operating stations positioned along, and movable continuously with, the first movement carousel; each first operating station is associated with a corresponding first gripping means; each first operating station is configured to operate on the piece of filter material in order to form, at least partly, a filter bag along a predetermined angular stretch of rotation of the first movement carousel; and a plurality of first translation devices, associated with the first movement carousel and configured for translating, mutually, the first operating stations and the corresponding first gripping means along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.