Infusion Filter Bag Transfer Wheel for High-Speed Defect Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for forming filter bags for infusion products face challenges in safely and efficiently rejecting defective bags at high production speeds without reducing machine flexibility or productivity.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a transfer wheel and gripping elements that can detect defects and selectively divert defective filter bags to a rejection area, ensuring safe storage and maintaining high-speed operation by preventing release into the collecting area until after passing the collecting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates at high production speeds, then productivity is improved, but the ability to safely detect and reject defective filter bags deteriorates due to response delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an extended angular stretch TA between the first angular position (where filter bags are picked up) and the second angular position (where they are released). This extended time window allows defect detection systems to identify defective bags and trigger rejection mechanisms before the bags reach the collecting area, ensuring reliable defect rejection even at high production speeds.
2Productivity
If defective filter bags are rejected at high speeds, then productivity is maintained, but the complexity of the rejection mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transfer wheel into distinct functional zones: a first angular position for picking up filter bags, an extended angular stretch TA for inspection and rejection decision-making, and a second angular position for release. This segmentation allows the rejection mechanism to operate independently and efficiently without complicating the overall high-speed transfer system.
3Volume of moving object
If the angular stretch between pickup and release positions is reduced, then the machine size is reduced, but the time available for defect detection and rejection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the angular dimension of the transfer wheel's rotation to create an extended angular stretch TA. This angular expansion provides sufficient time for defect detection and rejection without requiring linear expansion of the machine's physical footprint, thereby maintaining a compact machine size while adequate detection time is provided.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for grouping filter bags for infusion products includes: a movement wheel rotating about a first axis; a rotary transfer wheel, rotating in a synchronised fashion with the movement wheel, about a second axis; a device for collecting the bags; a plurality of gripping elements positioned along a circumference of the transfer wheel and movable with it for picking up, in a first angular position, a bag from the movement wheel and a release configuration of the bag in the collecting device, in a second angular position and after an angular stretch of rotation. A sensor detects possible defects of the bags, and identifies the defective bags before they reach the second angular position. A rejection area receives the defective bags. A locking control controls the gripping element to prevent release of the bag in the second angular position, when detected to be defective by the sensor.