Filter Bag Thread Connection Inversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing filter bags with metal-free connections between threads and labels are prone to thread breakage due to tensile stress, require complex constructions for thread handling, and involve high machine and control costs, especially at increased production speeds.

Innovation Solution

The method involves guiding the thread without tension, folding the bag head over the label before knotting, and using a central turret to wrap the thread around the bag, ensuring the thread remains uncut until connected, thus eliminating free ends and reducing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thread is transported under tensile stress to connect label and bag, then the connection can be made, but thread breakage occurs and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread connection reliabilityVSAvoidthread strength under stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transporting the thread under tension from the label to the bag, the invention inverts the approach by first forming the head fold and then attaching the thread to the already-formed structure. This eliminates the tensile stress transport issue entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The head fold is formed in advance before the thread attachment process begins. This preliminary formation of the head fold structure provides a stable base for subsequent thread connection, avoiding the need to transport thread under tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If complex thread handling mechanisms are used to prevent breakage, then thread reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread connection reliabilityVSAvoidthread handling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic thread transport under tension step entirely. By resequencing operations to form the head fold first, the complex thread handling mechanisms needed to manage tensioned thread are removed from the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional sequence of thread attachment followed by head fold formation is inverted. The head fold is formed first, then the thread is attached to the completed head fold structure, simplifying the entire thread handling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If production speed is increased, then productivity improves, but thread breakage due to tensile stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter bag production speedVSAvoidthread connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The head fold is formed as a preliminary step before thread attachment. This allows high-speed formation of the structural component first, then rapid attachment of the thread to the already-formed head fold, maintaining both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the conventional sequence and forming the head fold before attaching the thread, the process eliminates the speed-reliability trade-off. The head fold can be formed at high speed, then the thread is quickly attached to the stable structure without undergoing tensile stress transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of manufacture

If free thread ends are present during processing, then thread can be connected to bag, but thread handling becomes complex and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread connection easeVSAvoidthread end handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head fold is formed in advance with the thread already positioned and secured within it. This preliminary securing of the thread eliminates free ends before subsequent processing steps, simplifying all downstream operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic free thread ends are extracted and eliminated from the process by securing the thread within the head fold structure during its formation. This removes the need for complex free end handling mechanisms in later stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4375204A1Method and device for producing a filter bag for hot beverages
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 HAUSSLER & SAUTER
  • EP4375204A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4375204A1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1d
  • EP4375204A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a bag (20) for hot drinks formed by folding, wherein the uncut thread (92, 93, 113, 126, 135, 138, 139) originating from the thread roll (91) is transported together with the label (81) linked by thread loops to a station (9) of a central revolver (13) where it is wrapped around the bag.