Packaging Forming Assembly for Staggered Pack Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging units for forming sealed packs of pourable food products face issues with material sticking, leading to inconsistent detachment and transport of packs, which affects the precision and repeatability of the packaging process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed forming assembly features a pair of forming assemblies with self-movable carriages and half-shells that interact with the packaging material to heat-seal and cut the packs, using a unique combination of tracks and cam surfaces to control the movement of half-shells between open and closed positions, ensuring precise volume control and detachment of packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity action is used for pack detachment, then the structure is simple, but the detachment precision and repeatability deteriorate due to material sticking
Solution Approach 1:
A detachable cutting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first jaw and the packaging material. This cutting element actively separates packs by cutting through the material, mediating the detachment process rather than relying on gravity alone. The cutting element can be extracted from the first jaw to perform the cutting action, ensuring precise and repeatable pack separation regardless of material sticking issues.
2Reliability
If chain conveyors with heating elements are used for sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and cutting functions are segmented into separate modular components. The first jaw contains the sealing element for heat-sealing, while the detachable cutting element handles pack separation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sealing functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If half-shells are used to control pack volume, then volume control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The half-shells are designed as movable components that can dynamically adjust their position during the packaging process. They move from an initial position to a final position to control the volume of packs being formed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise volume control while maintaining operational flexibility, and the movement is integrated into the existing carriage system to minimize additional complexity.
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 solution enhances the precision and repeatability of pack detachment and transport, preventing material sticking and ensuring consistent packaging, even in the presence of connecting bridges between packs, thereby improving the overall packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element is a heating element and the counter-sealing element is made of elastomeric material, which provides the necessary mechanical support to grip the tube to the required pressure
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element cooperates with the respective counter-sealing element to heat-seal the tube at a corresponding transversal section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 3
AI summary
There is described a forming assembly (10b) for forming a plurality of sealed packs (3) starting from a tube (2) of packaging material, comprising first conveying means (15b) movable along a first path (Q) comprising: a first operative branch (Q1), which has a main elongation direction parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the tube (2); and a first return branch (Q2) comprising an initial portion (35b) which is arranged immediately downstream of the operative branch (Q1) and extends transversally to the advancing direction (A); first conveying means (14b, 15b, 14b') comprise one of a sealing element (22b) or a counter-sealing element (22a); and a first half-shell (21b), which is movable along the operative branch (Q1) between: a first rest position, in which it is detached from the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); and a first operative position, in which it grips the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); the first half-shell (21b) is arranged in the first operative position along a first portion (34b) of the first operative branch (Q1); the first half-shell (21b) is kept in the first operative position along an initial portion (35b), so as to grip and convey the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A); and moves, from the first operative position to the rest position at an end (36b) of the initial portion (35b) opposite to the first portion (34b), so as to discharge the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A).