Dual Actuator Bag Opening Mechanism for High Throughput Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated product bagging systems struggle to efficiently package larger products due to limitations in bag opening size, leading to reduced accuracy, repeatability, and increased operational costs, while also requiring significant adjustments for different bag sizes, resulting in decreased productivity and spatial inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A product bagging system utilizing two interconnected actuators to create a bag opening greater than six inches, allowing for efficient operation and quick configuration across various bag sizes, with a kit design for compatibility with existing systems, enabling faster throughput and ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a single actuator with long stroke is used to create large bag openings, then the bag opening size can be increased, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long-stroke actuator function into two separate actuators with shorter strokes. The first actuator creates an initial bag opening, and the second actuator further enlarges the opening. This segmentation allows each actuator to have a more manageable stroke length while achieving the same overall bag opening size, thereby reducing device complexity and spatial requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the cross member is withdrawn away from the plane for bag manipulation, then the bag can be opened for product introduction, but the throughput rate decreases due to additional movement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the bag opening action as a preliminary step before product introduction. The first actuator creates an initial bag opening in advance, allowing the bag to be prepared for product insertion without requiring the cross member to be fully withdrawn during the main packaging operation. This preliminary action enables faster throughput by separating the opening function from the product loading function.
3Reliability
If the cross member is re-associated with the bag edge for sealing, then the bag can be closed securely, but the cycle time increases due to the back-and-forth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bag closing function into two distinct actions: the first actuator creates an initial opening that can be used for product loading, and the second actuator completes the opening enlargement and positioning for sealing. This segmentation allows the cross member to remain in a more favorable position during product loading, reducing the back-and-forth movement distance and thereby decreasing cycle time while maintaining reliable sealing through the coordinated action of both actuators.
4Adaptability or versatility
If significant adjustments are made for different bag sizes, then various bag sizes can be accommodated, but the productivity decreases due to reconfiguration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable actuators that can be quickly reconfigured for different bag sizes. The two-actuator system allows for independent adjustment of each actuator's stroke length and positioning, enabling rapid adaptation to various bag dimensions without requiring complete system disassembly or complex mechanical reconfiguration. This dynamic adjustability maintains high productivity by minimizing reconfiguration time between different bag size productions.
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
The system achieves efficient packaging of larger products with improved ergonomics and reduced operational costs by allowing for flexible bag size handling, maintaining high throughput rates, and minimizing spatial requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator and the second actuator can be manipulated to separate opposite sides of a presented bag to define a bag opening
Data Source
AI summary
A product bagging assembly and method of manipulating a web material bag that is operable to create a bag opening that is greater than six inches and which is operable without substantially detracting from product throughput associated with use and operation of the product bagging assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the bag opening/dosing assembly includes a first actuator and a second actuator that are connected to one another such that a position of one of the actuators can be manipulated by operation of the other actuator. The product bagging assembly can be provided as a kit configured for plug and play operation with previously provided bag and product delivery systems.