Semi-Automatic Flexible Container Closing System with Centered Label Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for semi-automatically closing flexible containers face issues with high costs due to pneumatic actuators, label deformation, and limited flexibility in using labeled clips, which require additional equipment and increase manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a continuous deformable web with integrally joined labels, where cutting and deforming mechanisms are coordinated to form labeled clips with centered labels, preventing deformation and allowing synchronized actuation without compressed air, thus reducing costs and improving label placement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pneumatic actuators are used to control cutting, deforming and closing means, then the container closing operation can be automated, but the system complexity and cost increase due to compressed air supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pneumatic actuator system and compressed air supply infrastructure from the container closing device, replacing it with a mechanically-driven system that uses the container's own movement through the closing station to trigger and power the closing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the container's passage through the closing station to automatically trigger the closing sequence, eliminating the need for external control systems. The container itself serves as the trigger mechanism by activating sensors that initiate the blade and clamp operations
2Extent of automation
If pneumatic actuators are used for coordinating movements, then automation is achieved, but label positioning accuracy deteriorates due to imprecise coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical sensors that detect the position of labels and clips, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust blade positioning and timing to ensure precise label centering on each container
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the positioning and timing of cutting and closing operations based on real-time sensor input, allowing the mechanism to adapt to variations in container and label positioning to maintain accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveyor means and bonding equipment are added to close labeled clips, then label application capability is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container closing function with label centering and verification into a single integrated station. The same mechanical components that close the container also ensure proper label positioning, eliminating the need for separate conveyor and bonding equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The closing station is designed to perform multiple functions: closing the container, centering the label, verifying label position, and ensuring proper clip placement, all within a single integrated mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~5B
Figure 6A~7C
AI summary
A system (1) for semi-automatically closing flexible containers (C), comprising a continuous deformable web (N) and a semi-automatic device (2) for closing containers (C) with the web (N), wherein the device (2) comprises a frame (5) having a slot (6) for receiving an open end (A) of one container (C) at a time, feeding means (7) for feeding the web (N), cutting means (8) for cutting the web (N) and deforming and closing means (9). The web (N) has labels (E) integrally joined thereto at a substantially constant distance (d) from each other, to thereby form a labeled web having a predetermined cross section, the cutting means (8) are configured to cut the web (N) into sections (4', 4") whose length (I) is equal to the distance (d) and to form labeled clips (3) with the labels (E) located halfway of the sections (4', 4"). Furthermore, the deforming and closing means (9) are coordinated with the cutting means (8) to deform and close each labeled clip (3) around the open end (A) of one container (C) at a time while keeping the labels (E) centered on each container (C). The frame (5) has a substantially horizontal plate (12) with at least one vertical stiffening wall (13), wherein the feeding means (7) comprise a passage (10) that extends along the wall (13) and has a greater cross section than the labeled web (N) to avoid any deformation of its labels (E) as it is being fed.