Continuous Rotary Carousel for Infusion Filter Bag Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for forming filter bags for infusion products have limited productivity and flexibility, operating in a discontinuous motion that restricts efficiency and requires more space.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a continuous rotary carousel system, featuring multiple gripping elements and operating stations that perform operations independently and in continuous motion, allowing for high flexibility and productivity in forming double-chamber filter bags with enhanced operational precision and reduced bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a discontinuous stepped operation is used for forming filter bags, then the machine structure is simpler, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rotary motion of the carousel carrying multiple filter bag pieces through all operating stations simultaneously, eliminating the discontinuous stepped operation. This allows multiple operations (folding, sealing, filling) to be performed continuously on multiple pieces in parallel, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized station designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into multiple independent operating stations (folding station, sealing station, filling station) arranged radially around the carousel. Each station performs a specific function independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple filter bag pieces simultaneously. This segmentation enables continuous operation without requiring complex sequential coordination.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional filter bag forming machines are used, then the quality of filter bags is maintained, but the machine takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of operating stations to a radial configuration around a central carousel axis. Multiple stations are positioned at different angular positions around the carousel, utilizing the third dimension (radial distance from center) to pack more operations into a compact footprint. This dimensional reorganization reduces the linear space requirement while maintaining high productivity through parallel processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discontinuous motion operation is used, then the machine structure is less complex, but the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic continuous rotary carousel system where the rotational speed can be adjusted to match different production requirements. The carousel continuously rotates carrying multiple filter bag pieces through all stations, allowing flexible adjustment of production rate without changing the fundamental machine structure. This dynamic operation provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple standardized station designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for making filter bags for infusion products includes a first carousel for continuous rotary movement about a first axis and having first operating stations movable therewith, each first operating station configured to operate on a corresponding piece of filter material fed along an angular stretch of the first carousel, to lift two chambers to a position side by side. A second carousel positioned alongside the first carousel and rotating continuously about a second axis parallel to the first axis has a plurality of joining elements positioned along, and continuously movable with, the second carousel. Each joining element is connected to corresponding control devices for actuating, in a synchronized fashion, a succession of movements of the joining element to intercept free ends of erect filter material, positioned on an operating station and joining them, towards one of the two chambers containing a dose of product.