Packaging Former Chute Ridges Inhibit Batch Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing former assemblies for packaging machines cause batch elongation and reduce batch speed due to the elongation of product batches as they travel downward, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A former assembly with a product delivery chute and former shoulder having a central longitudinal axis with projections parallel to the axis, inhibiting angular movement of product and reducing elongation, thereby enhancing batch speed and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If product batches are delivered downwardly through a conventional chute, then product is delivered to the bag material, but the batches elongate and speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chute interior surface is segmented into multiple longitudinal ridges that divide the product batch into separate flow paths. This segmentation prevents the batch from rotating as a single mass, thereby reducing elongation while maintaining delivery speed to the bag material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional feature (ridges extending in the longitudinal direction) into the chute surface to control product flow. These ridges create a third dimension of control along the length of the chute, preventing angular movement and elongation of batches while maintaining efficient downward delivery.
2Ease of operation
If batches travel downwardly through the chute, then product is delivered to the bag, but angular movement causes further slowing and elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The batch is segmented by the longitudinal ridges into multiple flow channels, preventing unified angular movement. This segmentation stabilizes the batch during descent, eliminating the rotational motion that causes slowing and elongation.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal ridges act as intermediary structures between the chute walls and the product batch. These ridges guide and constrain the batch flow, preventing angular movement and ensuring stable, high-speed delivery to the bag material.
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
The solution effectively reduces batch elongation and increases batch speed by minimizing angular movement of product batches, resulting in improved operational efficiency of the packaging machine.
Implementation Method 1
the delivery chute having an internal chute surface surrounding said axis, with said chute surface having a plurality of projections having a direction of extension generally parallel to said axis, that inhibit angular movement of product about said axis as product falls through the chute
Data Source
AI summary
A former assembly (10) for a packaging machine. The former assembly (10) includes a frame (11) that supports a former shoulder (17). The former shoulder (17) has a former opening (20) that is aligned with a tubular delivery chute (21). Product is delivered to the chute (21), from where product is delivered to the opening (20) and therefore the former shoulder (17). The delivery chute (21) has an interior (22) having a plurality of projections (44) in the form of ridges (45). The ridges are located at angular positions spaced about the generally central axis (19) and have their major direction of extension downward.