Disposable Dispenser Packaging Machine Straw Insertion Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for packaging disposable bags with integrated straws face inefficiencies and downtime due to cumbersome insertion units that struggle to accurately position and heat-seal the straws, affecting production speed and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The machine incorporates an improved insertion unit with a reel, cutting means, and handling mechanisms that allow for precise positioning and insertion of the straw into the bag, followed by immediate heat-sealing, overcoming the limitations of prior art.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional insertion unit is used to insert the straw into the bag, then the structure is simpler, but the positioning accuracy of the straw is poor and the machine experiences frequent downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraw positioning accuracyVSAvoidinsertion unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion unit is divided into multiple independent modules: a reel for straw supply, cutting means for precise length control, and handling mechanisms for positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving overall positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The straw is pre-cut to the exact required length before insertion, and the handling mechanisms pre-position the straw in the correct orientation and location. This preliminary preparation eliminates positioning errors during the insertion process and reduces machine downtime by preventing misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the insertion unit operates slowly to ensure accurate straw positioning, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraw insertion accuracyVSAvoidbag production speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reel-based straw supply system enables continuous feeding of straws to the cutting and insertion mechanisms, eliminating idle time between straw preparations. The automated handling mechanisms continuously position and insert straws without interruption, maintaining both high accuracy and high production speed simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual or slow mechanical positioning is replaced with automated handling mechanisms that use controlled motion systems to achieve precise straw placement at high speed. The integration of cutting means with the insertion mechanism allows for rapid, accurate straw preparation without slowing down the production line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the straw insertion and heat-sealing processes are separated into different stations, then each process can be optimized, but the machine complexity increases and coordination becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat-sealing qualityVSAvoidmachine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion unit is integrated with the heat-sealing station, combining the straw insertion mechanism and heat-sealing apparatus into a single coordinated system. This merging allows the straw to be inserted and immediately heat-sealed in one continuous operation, ensuring reliable sealing quality while reducing machine complexity compared to separate stations requiring precise coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the accuracy and speed of the straw insertion process, reducing machine downtime and increasing production efficiency by ensuring proper heat-sealing and maintaining high-quality bag production.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat-sealing unit (5), downstream of said insertion unit (1), comprising two plates conformed in such a way as to heat-seal the bag (S)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4273058B1Machine and improved packaging process of a disposable dispenser with integrated straw

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 POGGI PACK - SRL

Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A

AI summary

The automatic machine (100) comprises a central frame (T); a support (R) rotatably connected to the central frame (T); handling means for moving the support (R); a plurality of carriages (C) supported by the support (R); each carriage (C) supports a bag (S) vertically; a loading station (S1); a spreading station (S2) downstream of the loading station (S1); a filling station (S3) downstream of the spreading station (S2); a first heat-sealing station (S5) downstream of the filling station (S3); an insertion unit (1) that loads a straw (13a) in the bag (S), a second heat-sealing station (S51); the peculiarity of the machine (100) consists in the fact that the insertion unit (1) is provided in the first heat-sealing station (S5).