Flexible Grouping Unit for Packing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines lack flexibility, requiring significant time and skilled labor to change formats or configurations when dealing with varying package sizes or production lots, as they necessitate multiple component part changes and complex auxiliary conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine design featuring a flexible initial grouping unit with adjustable conveyor belts and compacting conveyors that allow for changes in package format and line configuration without altering physical components, utilizing speed variations to form and compact packages, and electric actuation for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grouping units are used to form lines of packages, then grouping function is achieved, but flexibility to change package format and group conformation is poor requiring component part changes and skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compacting members movable along the grouping path with variable speeds. The first compacting conveyor feeds the first compacting member at a second speed slower than the first feed conveyor to slow down the lead product, while the second compacting conveyor feeds the second compacting member at a third speed higher than the first to compact the last product. This dynamic speed variation enables flexible adaptation to different package formats without changing physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (speeds of conveyors and compacting members) rather than physical dimensions. By varying the speeds of the first and second compacting conveyors relative to the feed conveyor, the system can adapt to different package formats and group conformations through parameter adjustment alone, eliminating the need for component part changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grouping units are used to change package format, then grouping is achieved, but time consumption and skilled labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic speed control of compacting members to achieve format changes. The first compacting member moves at a second speed slower than the feed conveyor to slow down the lead product, while the second compacting member moves at a third speed higher than the feed conveyor. This dynamic adjustment allows rapid adaptation to different formats without manual intervention or component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated speed control of the compacting conveyors. The control system automatically adjusts the speeds of the first and second compacting conveyors based on the required format, eliminating the need for skilled labor to manually reconfigure the machine.
3Manufacturing precision
If an auxiliary compacting conveyor with movable compacting member is used, then compacting function is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple compacting members into a coordinated system. The first compacting member compacts intermediate products against the lead product while the second compacting member compacts the last product against intermediate products. Both are fed from the same first feed conveyor, combining their functions into an integrated system that achieves precise compacting without requiring a separate auxiliary compacting conveyor with movable members.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second compacting conveyors serve multiple functions: they feed compacting members, control the positioning of products through speed variation, and perform compacting operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated auxiliary compacting conveyors, reducing device complexity while maintaining compacting precision.
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 quick format changes and high output rates with minimal manual labor, maintaining package integrity and flexibility in adapting to different package sizes, while reducing production complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first compacting conveyor for feeding a first compacting member downstream from the first feed conveyor, along the grouping path, and ahead of the lead product in the line, at a second speed slower than the first, so as to slow down the lead product and compact the intermediate products in the line against the lead product
Implementation Method 2
a second compacting conveyor for feeding a second compacting member downstream from the first feed conveyor, along the grouping path, and behind the last product in the line, at a third speed higher than the first, so as compact the last product against the intermediate products in the line
Data Source
AI summary
A grouping method and unit (6) for forming a line (7) of products (2) on a packing machine (1); a first feed conveyor (11) feeds a succession of spaced products (2) along a straight, horizontal grouping path (P) at a first speed (VI); a first compacting conveyor (20) moves a first compacting member (23) along the grouping path (P), downstream from the first feed conveyor (11) and ahead of a first product (2a) in the line (7), at a second speed (V2) slower than the first speed (VI), so as to slow down the first product (2a) and compact the intermediate products (2b) in the line (7) against the first product (2a); and a second compacting conveyor (21) moves a second compacting member (25) along the grouping path (P), downstream from the first feed conveyor (11) and behind a last product (2c) in the line (7), at a third speed (V3) higher than the first speed (VI), so as to compact the last product (2c) against the intermediate products (2b) in the line (7).