Dual Robotic Arm Container Packaging for Continuous Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses using a single robotic arm for packaging containers face productivity issues due to down times during filling, closing, and weighing operations, particularly in aseptic environments, as other trays must wait for the robotic arm to complete operations before starting a new cycle.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with two coordinated robotic arms, controlled by electronic means, allows continuous transfer of transport members to filling units without interruptions, ensuring simultaneous filling and closing operations across multiple trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single robotic arm is used to move trays for filling, closing and weighing operations, then the apparatus can be easily cleaned and sanitized in aseptic environments, but productivity is reduced due to down times when trays must wait for the robotic arm to complete operations
Solution Approach 1:
The single robotic arm function is segmented into two separate robotic arms. The first robotic arm is dedicated to moving trays to the filling unit, while the second robotic arm moves trays to the closing unit. This segmentation allows both arms to operate independently and simultaneously, eliminating the idle time that occurred when a single arm had to wait for filling, closing, and weighing operations to complete before picking up the next tray.
2Device complexity
If a single robotic arm performs all operations sequentially, then device complexity is minimized, but continuous filling operations cannot be achieved without breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous useful action by having the first robotic arm continuously move trays to the filling unit while the second robotic arm continuously moves trays to the closing unit. The electronic control unit coordinates these operations so that filling, closing, and weighing occur continuously without breaks, as one arm is always engaged in moving a tray while the other arm is engaged in processing operations.
3Device complexity
If trays wait upstream for the robotic arm to complete operations, then the single robotic arm can be used, but loss of time occurs during waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The first robotic arm performs preliminary action by moving trays to the filling unit in advance, allowing the filling, closing, and weighing operations to begin before the next tray is needed. The second robotic arm then performs preliminary action by moving trays to the closing unit while the first arm is still engaged in filling operations. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time by ensuring trays are positioned and ready for each operation before they are needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (10) for automatically packaging containers (C) along a work path (L), wherein one or more containers (C) to be filled are supported by corresponding trays (100). The apparatus (10) comprises at least: a feed station (12) to sequentially feed the trays (100) in which the containers (C) are disposed; a filling unit (27) to sequentially perform a plurality of operations of filling the containers (C); a first robotic arm (19) capable of performing at least one programmed function, in order to selectively transfer the trays (100) one at a time toward the filling unit (27), and electronic control means (47). The apparatus (10) also comprises a second robotic arm (20), which is also capable of autonomously performing the same programmed function as the first robotic arm (19).