Automated Foil Transfer Device for Hygienic Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems for sliced goods, such as sausages, require manual handling and positioning of foil dispensers, transfer devices, and welding devices, which is labor-intensive and hygienically challenging, especially after daily cleaning, and lacks reliable automatic operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of form-fitting connections, such as dovetail connections or hooks, and electrical coupling between the foil dispenser, transfer device, and welding device ensures a coordinated relative position, allowing for automatic operation and easy setup, with a swivel arm and gripper head with suction cups for transferring foils, enabling fully automated loading, sealing, and ejection of packaged products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling and positioning of foil dispenser, transfer device, and welding device are used, then flexibility and ease of setup are improved, but labor intensity increases and hygiene is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual positioning flexibilityVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic foil transfer and positioning without manual intervention. The transfer device with suction cups automatically grasps foils from the dispenser and places them on the welding device, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle foils after cleaning, thus maintaining hygiene while ensuring proper positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced by an automated control system that coordinates the transfer device movement and positioning. The system uses sensors and control units to automatically adjust positions and ensure proper alignment without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If components are fixed in coordinated relative position with form-fitting connections, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operation reliabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components (foil dispenser, transfer device, welding device) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly while maintaining reliable coordinated positioning when connected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fitting connections use standardized geometric parameters (dovetail shapes, hook dimensions) that ensure consistent and reliable positioning. These standardized parameters allow for repeatable assembly with proper coordination between components without requiring complex custom-fit connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual transfer of foils is performed after daily cleaning, then adaptability to cleaning schedules is improved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning schedule flexibilityVSAvoidpackaging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic transfer device operates independently of manual cleaning schedules. After cleaning, the system automatically resumes foil transfer operations without requiring operator intervention to reposition or restart manual handling, maintaining both hygiene and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be quickly repositioned or reset after cleaning using the form-fitting connections. The modular design allows for rapid reassembly in the correct coordinated positions, minimizing downtime and maintaining high productivity after cleaning intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration simplifies setup and operation, enhances hygiene by reducing manual handling, and ensures reliable automatic operation, allowing for efficient and hygienic packaging of sliced goods with minimal human intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a gripper head with suction cups for gripping the foils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2428454B1Assembly of a film dispenser, a film welding device and a transfer device

Publication Date: 2016.09.07 KUCHLER FRITZ

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The arrangement has a transfer device (10) designed as a separate and retrofittable unit, where the transfer device is fixed at a predetermined distance between a foil dispenser (1) and a foil sealing device (13). A suction cup (18) is located at two end positions of a pivot arm (16) over an output position of the foil dispenser, or over a placing region (19) of the foil sealing device.