Filter Bag Making Machine Continuous Strip Diversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing single-chamber or single-lobe filter bags for infusion products operate intermittently, have a complex structure, and lack flexibility in producing groups of filter bags, resulting in reduced productivity and inefficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A machine that forms filter bags from a continuous strip of filter material, allowing for continuous operation and flexible production of single or grouped filter bags by diverting the strip from a vertical to a horizontal direction, using a drive member and separating station with cutting and pre-cutting means to separate and stack filter bags efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vertical type machine with step-wise operation is used, then the machine structure is relatively simple, but the productivity is limited due to intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by replacing the step-wise vertical feed mechanism with a horizontal continuous feed system. The strip of filter material is fed continuously in a horizontal direction through a forming station, dosing station, and closing station, eliminating intermittent operation and thereby increasing productivity without requiring excessively complex machinery
2Ease of operation
If drive grippers are used to move the strip in vertical direction, then the machine can operate, but the structure becomes complex and operation becomes difficult due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical feed approach by implementing horizontal feeding. Instead of moving the strip vertically through multiple grippers that require synchronization, the strip is fed horizontally through a forming station and subsequent processing stations, greatly simplifying the gripping system and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting station separates only single filter bags, then the machine operates reliably, but the flexibility is reduced as groups of filter bags cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cutting system that can adapt its operation mode. The cutting station is configured to separate either individual filter bags or groups of filter bags depending on production requirements. This is achieved through adjustable cutting mechanisms and flexible positioning of the strip, allowing the system to switch between single-bag and multi-bag separation while maintaining reliable operation
4Ease of operation
If complex gripping systems are used to carry cut filter bags, then the machine can handle individual bags, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex gripping and carrying function from the main production line. Instead of using complex gripping systems to carry individual cut bags through multiple stations, the system is designed so that bags are separated and deposited directly at the cutting station, which then handles stacking and packaging. This extraction of the carrying function eliminates the need for complex intermediate gripping mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Described is a machine for making filter bags (1) with infusion products comprising a feed station (2) configured for feeding a strip (S) of filter material; a forming and joining station (3) configured for forming the strip (S) in a closed tubular shape; a dosing station (4) configured to dose the infusion product inside the strip (S) with a closed tubular shape; a closing station (5) configured for closing an open portion of the strip (S) with a closed tubular shape and defining simultaneously a top (1a) of a filter bag (1) being formed and a bottom (1b) of the next filter bag (1); and a drive member (6), configured to intercept a continuous strip (S1) of filter bags (1) advancing along a first feed direction (Z) and diverting the continuous strip (S1) of filter bags (1) from the first feed direction (Z) to a second feed direction (T), transversal to the first feed direction (Z).