Flexible Container Bags With Position Markers for Robotic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual unfolding and engagement of flexible container bags with hoppers in existing systems are rate-limiting steps in the filling cycle, leading to time losses and increased costs due to reduced filling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bulk container with a position marker detectable by robotic systems, allowing for automated unpacking and positioning, featuring a removable insert to maintain the filling spout flat and a visually detectable mark for precise robotic handling, enabling efficient automated handling and attachment to hoppers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual unfolding and engagement of flexible container bags is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to rate-limiting steps in the filling cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container bag is pre-folded into a compact package with the access portion positioned in a predetermined location. This preliminary preparation enables robotic systems to automatically unfold and engage the bag without manual intervention, eliminating the rate-limiting step while maintaining proper positioning for filling operation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of unfolding and engaging the flexible container bag are replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic system uses detectors to locate the position marker and mechanically unfolds and engages the bag, substituting human labor with automated machinery to increase productivity
2Productivity
If automated handling is implemented, then productivity is increased, but device complexity increases due to need for detectors and position markers
Solution Approach 1:
A visually detectable position marker is incorporated onto the flexible container bag at a predetermined position on the access portion. This marker provides a visual cue that can be easily detected by robotic detectors, enabling automated handling without requiring complex sensing systems. The marker's simple visual design reduces device complexity while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container bag includes integrated features (position marker and predetermined folding configuration) that enable the system to automatically guide and position itself during the filling process. The bag essentially serves itself by providing the information needed for robotic handling, reducing the need for external control systems and decreasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible bulk container comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one sidewall defining an internal space. There is an access portion associated with the top wall for accessing the internal space through an open end of the access portion, and a position marker located at a predetermined position on the access portion for detection by a detector of a robotic system. A stack of flexible bulk containers is also provided. An insert for use with a flexible bulk container is also provided. The insert comprises: a head portion and a tail portion extending therefrom, the head portion having an insert upper edge and the tail portion being sized and shaped for engagement with an open end of a filling spout, and lateral spacer portions extending from the head portion, one on either side of the tail portion.