Flexible Bag Folding Element Application System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for applying a folded element, such as a cardboard strip, to bags of flexible material are complex and do not guarantee a fast and precise application.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a storage device for foldable flat elements, gripping means for precise extraction and positioning, a supporting and folding element for accurate folding, and housings for fixing the folded element to the bag, along with adjustable components for varying sizes and conveyor belt integration for efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a folded element is applied to bags of flexible material, then information reporting and consumer attraction are improved, but the application process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication processVSAvoidapplication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application system is divided into separate functional modules: a storage device for foldable elements, gripping means for extraction and positioning, a supporting and folding element for shaping, and housings for fixing to the bag. Each module performs a specific task, simplifying the overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable element is designed to be self-supporting during the application process. The supporting and folding element temporarily holds the foldable element in the correct position and shape, allowing the system to automate the application without complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing folding systems are used, then folding capability is provided, but speed and precision of application are not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidfolding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable element is pre-prepared with folding lines and creases that define the exact folding position. The supporting and folding element is positioned beforehand to guide the folding process, ensuring both speed and precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting and folding element acts as an intermediary between the foldable element and the bag. It temporarily holds the foldable element in the correct position and shape during folding, ensuring precision, then releases it for rapid attachment to the bag, improving overall application speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the folding line is parallel to the upper end of the bag, then proper positioning is achieved, but the system requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding line alignmentVSAvoidalignment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and supporting and folding element are designed with corresponding alignment features that automatically position the folding line parallel to the upper end of the bag. This equipotential design ensures proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the components naturally align when brought together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP3623303B1System and method for producing packages
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 ICA SPA
  • EP3623303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is provided for making packages (1000) comprising a bag (100) of flexible material comprising a first face (101) and a second face (102) and a folded element (200) folded along a folding line (203), wherein the folding line (203) is parallel to the upper end (103) of the bag (100) and divides the folded element (200) into a first portion (201) and a second portion (202) so that the first portion (201) extends along the first face (101) and the second portion (202) extends along the second face (102). A method for making such packages is also presented.