Flexible Bag Seal Evaluation Using Independent Conveying Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for handling and evaluating flexible bags are inefficient, as they require horizontal orientation, result in a large footprint, and use imprecise rollers that can damage products, limiting the ability to assess seal integrity and accumulate bags effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with independently movable conveying elements along a running rail that can position flexible bags vertically, apply controlled squeeze forces, and evaluate dimensional and force feedback to determine seal integrity, allowing for dynamic accumulation and decoupling of loading and unloading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller is used to exert pressure on the bag to determine seal integrity, then the seal integrity can be evaluated, but the imprecise measurement and potential product damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical roller system with a conveyor belt system that uses friction and controlled movement to apply pressure on the bag. This substitution eliminates the imprecise roller mechanism while maintaining the ability to evaluate seal integrity through dimensional measurement during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary between the evaluation system and the bag. Instead of directly pressing with a roller, the system uses the conveyor belt's controlled movement and friction to apply necessary pressure, allowing precise measurement without direct harmful contact.
2Measurement precision
If bags are spaced along the conveyor system with gaps between the bags, then the seal integrity can be evaluated, but the overall footprint becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic conveyor system where bags can be continuously evaluated without requiring fixed spacing gaps. The conveyor belt can adjust its movement and the evaluation mechanism can dynamically position itself to evaluate each bag as it passes, eliminating the need for permanent gaps and reducing the overall system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous evaluation of bags as they move along the conveyor belt without interruption. Bags are evaluated continuously during transport rather than requiring stopped positions with gaps, allowing uninterrupted processing and reducing the space required for the system.
3Measurement precision
If bags are oriented horizontally on the conveyor system, then the seal integrity can be evaluated, but the ability to accumulate bags within the machine is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal bag orientation to vertical bag orientation on the conveyor system. This dimensional change allows bags to be stacked or accumulated in the vertical direction while maintaining the ability to evaluate seal integrity through dimensional measurement, thus adding accumulation capability without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the conveyor belt's movement and orientation to accommodate both horizontal and vertical bag positions during different phases of operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to accumulate bags vertically when needed while maintaining the ability to perform seal integrity evaluations in the required orientation.
4Reliability
If a roller is used to press on the bag, then seal integrity can be determined, but the precision is insufficient and product damage is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the roller-based mechanical pressing system with a conveyor belt-based system that uses controlled friction and movement to apply pressure. This substitution provides more reliable and precise seal integrity determination through dimensional measurement while avoiding the product damage caused by imprecise roller pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the dimensional changes and force application during conveyor belt movement. This feedback allows real-time adjustment of the pressure applied to the bag, ensuring reliable seal integrity determination with precise measurement while preventing excessive force that could damage the product.
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
Enables accurate assessment of seal integrity and bag thickness, reduces the overall system footprint, and allows for efficient accumulation and handling of flexible bags in a vertical orientation, improving the precision and efficiency of the evaluation process.
Implementation Method 1
measuring bag dimensional width (aka thickness) and comparing against a defined dimensional range with integrated force-feedback which is also evaluated and compared to a known force range
Implementation Method 2
apply controlled squeeze forces, and evaluate dimensional and force feedback to determine seal integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting and evaluating flexible bags filled with product includes a running rail and a plurality of conveying elements mounted for movement along the running rail. A control system is configured such that each conveying element is independently movable along running rail, wherein the control system is further configured such that a first conveying element of the plurality of conveying elements and a second conveying element of the plurality of conveying elements are controlled such that a flexible bag is squeezed between the first conveying element and the second conveying element, and the control system is further configured to evaluate a squeeze force on the flexible bag and/or a dimensional spacing between the first conveying element and the second conveying element in order to identify the flexible bag as having a satisfactory seal or an unsatisfactory seal.