Insertion Apparatus Horizontal Packaging Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insertion apparatuses face challenges in adjusting the relative position between packaging objects and bags, leading to inefficient packaging, especially when the sizes or shapes of pouches differ, resulting in unstable support and increased costs due to the need for multiple trays and manual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features adjustable side guide parts and elevation mechanisms that allow for precise alignment and support of packaging objects within the bag, enabling horizontal movement and insertion without manual adjustment, accommodating varying sizes and shapes through adjustable distance mechanisms and guide configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment is used to align the packaging object with the bag, then the relative position can be adjusted, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative position alignmentVSAvoidmanual adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide part is designed to be movable in the height direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position. This enables the guide part to adapt to different packaging object sizes and heights automatically, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining precise alignment during horizontal insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the vertical position parameter of the guide part to match different packaging object heights. By adjusting the guide part's height position, the system adapts to various packaging scenarios without requiring manual intervention, thus improving both precision and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the packaging object is dropped in the vertical direction into the packaging bag, then the packaging process is simple, but the external appearance deteriorates and damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process simplicityVSAvoidimpact damage and appearance deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of dropping the packaging object vertically into the bag, the system inverts the approach by holding the bag and inserting the object horizontally. This reversal of the insertion direction eliminates impact damage while maintaining packaging efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide part serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates horizontal insertion. It guides the packaging object into the bag mouth along a controlled horizontal path, preventing direct impact while ensuring proper positioning without compromising productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple trays are used to support pouches of different sizes, then the pouches can be supported stably, but the device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouch stacking stabilityVSAvoidmultiple trays requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide part is designed with universal functionality to support pouches of various sizes through a single structure. By adjusting its vertical position, the same guide part adapts to different pouch heights and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized trays while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable guide part provides dynamic adaptability to different pouch sizes and stacking configurations. This single dynamic structure replaces multiple static trays, reducing device complexity while ensuring stable support for various pouch arrangements through automated position adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3360808B1Insertion apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 TOYO JIDOKI CO LTD

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Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

An insertion apparatus (10) for placing a packaging object (13) in a packaging bag (12), includes: a bag support unit (23) that holds the packaging bag (12) in a state where a bag mouth (12a) of the packaging bag (12) is opened; a transfer mechanism (34) that places the packaging object (13) at a supply position (PS); a first intermediate holding unit (48) provided to be able to ascend and descend; an elevation mechanism (39) that elevates or lowers the first intermediate holding unit (48) so as to place the first intermediate holding unit (48) at a first elevation position and a second elevation position; a first placement mechanism (35) that moves the packaging object (13) placed at the supply position (PS) in a horizontal direction so as to place the packaging object (13) on the first intermediate holding unit (48) placed at the first elevation position; a horizontal movement mechanism (37) that moves the first intermediate holding unit (48) placed at the second elevation position in the horizontal direction so as to insert at least a part of the first intermediate holding unit (48) in the packaging bag (12) via the bag mouth (12a); and a second placement mechanism (36) that moves the packaging object (13), placed on the first intermediate holding unit (48) at least partially placed in the packaging bag (12), in the horizontal direction so as to place the packaging object (13) outside the first intermediate holding unit (48) and inside the packaging bag (12).