Dual-Mode Bagger Switching Between Stretchable and Shrinkable Bags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bagging systems require separate equipment for handling stretchable and shrinkable bags, leading to substantial downtime when switching between types, as they are designed for either regular plastic bags or heat-shrinkable bags, necessitating dual systems or frequent equipment changes.

Innovation Solution

A system with a bagger that can seamlessly switch between stretchable and shrinkable bags using a single set of equipment, featuring rotatable product horns, a bag carriage unit, pulling rollers, and an air jet system, allowing for efficient handling of both types of bags without the need for multiple systems or extensive downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a processor uses two separate bagging systems for stretchable and shrinkable bags, then both types of bags can be handled, but capital investment increases and downtime occurs when switching between systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle both stretchable and shrinkable bagsVSAvoidnumber of bagging systems required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bagging machine is designed with a universal bagging head that can accommodate both stretchable bags (supplied in stacks on a wicket) and shrinkable bags (supplied in series on tapes). The system uses a single set of product horns and bagging mechanism that can handle both bag types by switching the bag supply source, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each bag type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements dynamic switching capability between different bag supply systems. The bagging head can be quickly reconfigured to accept either a wicket with stacked stretchable bags or a tape-fed series of shrinkable bags, allowing the machine to adapt its operation mode based on the required bag type without permanent structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a processor uses one bagger with two separate pieces of equipment to bring bags to product horns, then a single bagger can be used, but substantial downtime is required to stop the line, remove one piece of equipment, and connect the other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use single bagger for both bag typesVSAvoiddowntime for equipment switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the bag supply mechanisms for both stretchable and shrinkable bags into a single integrated bagging station. The wicket for stretchable bags and the tape feed for shrinkable bags are both positioned to deliver bags to the same product horns simultaneously, allowing instant switching without line shutdown. The bagging head itself is designed to accept both bag types without requiring removal or reconnection of external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional bagging machines use opposed product horns movable in horizontal plane, then regular plastic bags can be handled, but heat-shrinkable bags require different equipment configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation with regular plastic bagsVSAvoidcompatibility with heat-shrinkable bags

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The product horns are designed as universal components that work with both regular plastic bags and heat-shrinkable bags. The opposed product horns movable in horizontal plane configuration is retained for handling regular bags, while the same horns can accommodate heat-shrinkable bags when the bag supply is changed to tape-fed series. The horn geometry and movement mechanism are optimized to work with both bag types without modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and rapid switching between stretchable and shrinkable bags, reducing downtime and capital investment by allowing a single bagger to handle both types, improving operational efficiency and flexibility in packaging processes.

Implementation Method 1

means, such as compressed air, for blowing across an opening of the bag to facilitate placement of the bag over the product horns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The bag is then exposed to heat, shrinking the bag around the poultry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat shrinking: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP2046649B1Two-in-one bagger system

Publication Date: 2017.11.08 POLY CLIP SYST

Figure 1~2b
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AI summary

The invention comprises a system for encasing material in one of a stretchable bag and a shrinkable bag. The system comprises a pair of product horns rotatable in a plane from a first position to a second position; a stretchable-bag system comprising a bag carriage unit; a shrinkable-bag system, comprising a pair of pulling rollers mounted under said product horns and a collection roller mounted adjacent said pulling rollers, the collection roller configured to move a predetermined increment, a product ram configured to move material between the product horns and into one of a stretchable bag and a shrinkable bag, and an air jet for opening the bags.