Infusion Capsule Filter Forming Machine With Reciprocating Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing infusion capsules face issues with soiling on forming devices due to material release during the forming process, leading to prolonged machine downtime and inadequate cleaning that requires labor-intensive manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A machine with integrated cleaning devices featuring reciprocating linear motion cleaning elements that move between disengagement and cleaning positions, effectively cleaning forming surfaces without interrupting production and reducing labor dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed at fixed frequency, then cleaning is achieved, but machine downtime increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is integrated into the forming machine and automatically cleans the forming surfaces during operation. The cleaning element moves reciprocatingly along the forming axis to rub against the forming surfaces, enabling the machine to clean itself without external manual intervention, thus reducing both downtime and labor requirements while maintaining cleaning adequacy
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is designed to occur continuously during machine operation rather than requiring separate manual cleaning cycles. The reciprocating motion of the cleaning element ensures continuous contact and cleaning action on the forming surfaces, eliminating idle downtime associated with manual cleaning interruptions
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning is achieved, but labor employment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device operates autonomously within the forming machine, with the cleaning element automatically positioned and moved along the forming axis under machine control. This eliminates the need for operator intervention in the cleaning process, reducing labor dependency while ensuring consistent cleaning adequacy through automated reciprocating motion
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning action performed by operators is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a motor-driven cleaning element that reciprocates along the forming axis. This substitution of manual labor with automated mechanical means reduces labor employment while maintaining effective cleaning performance
3Reliability
If cleaning elements are in constant contact with forming devices, then cleaning is continuous, but production is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, moving between a retracted position during filter formation and a contact position during cleaning operations. This dynamic adjustment allows the cleaning element to engage the forming surfaces only when needed, ensuring cleaning effectiveness without interfering with the filter formation process and maintaining production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically through reciprocating motion of the cleaning element along the forming axis, rather than through constant contact. The element moves forward to clean, then retracts to allow filter formation, creating a periodic cycle that ensures cleaning effectiveness while minimizing interruption to production and maintaining overall productivity
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient cleaning of forming surfaces, minimizing machine downtime and labor requirements while maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second movement system configured to impart to said one or more cleaning elements, when in said cleaning position, a reciprocating linear motion along said forming axis to rub said one or more cleaning elements on at least a part of said forming surface
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for forming filters for infusion capsules, and relative cleaning method, the machine including one or more forming devices, one or more cleaning devices, each cleaning device having one or more cleaning elements; a first movement system configured to move the one or more cleaning elements between a disengagement position, wherein the cleaning elements do not mechanically interact with the forming devices, and a cleaning position, where the one or more cleaning elements mechanically interact with at least one forming device; and a second movement system configured to impart to the one or more cleaning elements, when in the cleaning position, a reciprocating linear motion along the forming axis to rub the one or more cleaning elements on at least a part of the forming surface of the forming device.