Filter Bag Compacting and Transfer Device for Height Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compacting and transfer devices for filter bags cannot efficiently reduce the longitudinal encumbrance and accommodate packaging stations with varying heights, limiting their versatility and efficiency in packaging.

Innovation Solution

A compacting and transfer device that rotates and compacts groups of filter bags by 180°, using a lifting mechanism and pneumatic pushers to redistribute and compact the infusion substances, allowing for reduced longitudinal encumbrance and flexible feeding to packaging stations at different heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a packaging apparatus with a rotor and vibrating means is used to compact filter bags, then the longitudinal encumbrance of filter bag groups is reduced, but the apparatus cannot accommodate packaging stations at different heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal encumbrance of filter bag groupsVSAvoidaccommodation of packaging stations at different heights
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic transfer unit with movable trays that can be positioned at different heights and angles. The trays are mounted on a rotating arm mechanism that allows them to move between a loading position (lower height) and a packaging position (higher height), enabling the apparatus to accommodate packaging stations at varying elevations while maintaining the compacting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces vertical dimensionality to the transfer mechanism by positioning the packaging station at a higher elevation than the loading station. The transfer unit moves trays vertically and rotationally from the lower loading area to the upper packaging area, adding a vertical movement dimension that resolves the height adaptation problem while preserving horizontal compacting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If filter bags are arranged in ordered groups with maximum longitudinal encumbrance, then all filter bags can be contained, but the packaging container size and storage space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of filter bags in groupVSAvoidlongitudinal encumbrance of filter bag groups
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vibrating means applied to the trays to agitate and redistribute the filter bags during the transfer process. This vibration causes the bags to settle more compactly within the trays, reducing air gaps and achieving denser packing arrangements that minimize longitudinal encumbrance while maintaining the required quantity of bags per group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and arrangement parameters of the filter bags through mechanical manipulation. By applying vibration and rotational movement, the bags transition from a loose, extended arrangement to a compact, densely packed configuration, effectively reducing the longitudinal dimension while preserving the total number of bags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a transfer unit with rotating trays is used to form and transport filter bag groups, then groups can be fed to packaging stations, but the apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding rate of filter bag groups to packaging stationVSAvoidstructure of transfer unit with rotor and trays
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer unit with rotating trays serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms groups of filter bags, transports them from the loading station, positions them at the appropriate angle, and delivers them to the packaging station. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single mechanism, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the group formation process with the transport mechanism. The trays both contain the filter bags during grouping and serve as the transport medium to the packaging station, combining formation and transportation functions into a unified system that reduces overall apparatus complexity.

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

The device achieves a 20-30% reduction in longitudinal encumbrance of filter bag groups, enabling efficient transfer and packaging at higher feeding planes, reducing production and storage costs while accommodating various packaging configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting mechanism, moved by known cranks, rotates the group of filter bags by 180° around a horizontal rotation axis, overturning the same group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a compacting unit with at least one tray suitable for containing the group of filter bags and striking and compacting means of the group of filter bags in the tray, arranged in correspondence with the longitudinal development of the tray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Implementation Method 3

striking and compacting means of the group of filter bags in the tray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2812250B1Compacting and transfer device of groups of filter bags containing infusion substances
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 TECNOMECCANICA SRL
  • EP2812250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2812250B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2812250B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A compacting and transfer device of groups of filter bags containing infusion substances comprising a transfer unit (19) of a group (2) of filter bags (5) from a collection station (18) to a packaging station (20); the transfer unit (19) comprising a transfer and rotation element (22) of the group (2) of filter bags (5) and a compacting element (23) of the group (2) of filter bags (5); the transfer and rotation element (22) comprises a lifting device (45) of the group (2) of filter bags (5) developing along a vertical axis (V) capable of transferring the group (2) of filter bags (5) from a first horizontal plane (P1) to a second horizontal plane (P2) at a greater height with respect to the first plane (P1).