Filling Machine Transport Unit with Suction Cup Channel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines face challenges in achieving high-speed operation and improved production capacity when handling flexible pouch type packages, as they require sequential and time-consuming steps for package advancement, opening of filling channels, and filling, leading to bottlenecks and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filling machine with a transport unit that moves packages intermittently in an edgewise direction, utilizing a suction cup member to open filling channels during movement from the upstream to the filling station, allowing simultaneous movement and reducing stationary time, along with a cam arrangement and servomotor for precise control, enabling parallel handling of multiple packages and synchronized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are handled sequentially through filling machine stations, then operation simplicity is maintained, but production capacity and speed are reduced due to bottleneck effects
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is segmented into multiple gripping members (first gripping member for non-filled packages, second gripping member for filled packages) that can operate independently and simultaneously, allowing parallel handling of packages at different stations without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup member opens the filling channel of packages in advance during transport from the upstream station, so that when packages arrive at the filling station, the filling channel is already open and ready for immediate filling, eliminating waiting time and reducing stationary time
2Speed
If packages are held stationary for channel opening and filling operations, then operation precision is maintained, but time consumption increases and production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup member performs the channel opening action during the transport phase before packages reach the filling station, so that no stationary time is required for channel opening at the filling station, enabling immediate filling upon arrival
Solution Approach 2:
The transport unit continuously moves packages through the filling machine in a coordinated manner, with channel opening occurring during transport rather than requiring separate stationary phases, maintaining continuous productive action without interruption
3Productivity
If multiple packages are handled simultaneously, then production capacity is improved, but coordination complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is divided into functionally independent gripping members, each responsible for specific packages at specific stations, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple packages without complex coordination between gripping members
Solution Approach 2:
Each gripping member and the suction cup member operates autonomously based on the package position and station requirements, with the system automatically coordinating actions through the package transport sequence without requiring complex external synchronization control
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 production capacity by reducing the time packages are held stationary, allowing immediate insertion of filling pipes and improving overall efficiency and speed, while maintaining hygienic conditions and precise control.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup member arranged for opening-up of the filling channel of the one or more of the packages in the non-filled state retrieved by the first gripping member while the transport unit is moved from the first end position to the second end position
Data Source
AI summary
A filling machine for filling flexible pouch type packages that includes a transport unit arranged for intermittent, edgewise advancement of the packages from an upstream station to a downstream station. The transport unit is movable in a reciprocating manner between a first end position and a second end position, and includes a first gripping member arranged to retrieve packages from the upstream station and delivered to the filling station, a second gripping member arranged to retrieve packages from the filling station and delivered to the downstream station and a suction cup member arranged for opening the filling channel of the packages retrieved by the first gripping member. The suction cup member includes, for each package retrieved by the first gripping member, a pair of oppositely arranged suction cups movably arranged in order to engage and separate side wall sections defining the filling channel of the associated package.