Integral Gripper Holder for Flexible Pouch Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible pouch packaging systems require multiple tools for transporting, opening, and closing pouches during manufacturing, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A holder with an integral gripper that supports, transports, and opens flexible pouches during fill and seal operations, featuring a base plate with pivotally attached support members and a movable plate supported by a spring, allowing for reliable and cost-effective filling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are used for transporting, opening, and closing pouches, then each function can be performed reliably, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holder and gripper into a single integrated apparatus. The holder includes a body with gripping members that are integral to the holder structure, eliminating the need for separate gripping tools. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable pouch handling through the unified design that performs transport, opening, and closing operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate tools are used for pouch operations, then specific functions can be optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated holder-gripper apparatus performs multiple functions: transporting the pouch, opening the pouch for filling, and closing the pouch after filling. The gripping members are designed to perform both opening and closing operations, making the single device versatile enough to handle all pouch manipulation tasks that previously required multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If a simple cup-shaped holder is used for transport, then manufacturing is simple, but the holder cannot perform opening and closing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the simple cup-shaped holder by integrating gripping members directly into the holder body. The holder maintains its simple cup-like structure for transport while adding functional gripping elements that enable opening and closing operations. This merging of the simple holder structure with gripping functionality achieves versatility without significantly increasing device 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
The holder with an integral gripper enables efficient and reliable transportation, opening, and closing of flexible pouches, improving the automation and cost-effectiveness of the fill and seal process.
Implementation Method 1
A moveable plate is parallel to and spaced apart from the base member by a spring member, and the moveable plate supports an outer end of the lower leg of the support member, so that walls of a flexible pouch are held in tension
Implementation Method 2
A pair of opposed support members pivotally attached to the base plate. The walls of the flexible pouch are separated when the support members are pivoted inwardly.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder with an integral gripper for transporting a flexible pouch during manufacturing is provided that includes a base plate, and a pair of opposed support members pivotally attached to the base plate. Each support member includes an upper leg member having a gripping means and a lower leg member. A moveable plate is parallel to and spaced apart from the base member by a spring member, and the moveable plate supports an outer end of the lower leg of the support member, so that walls of a flexible pouch are held in tension when the flexible pouch is supported by the gripping means. The walls of the flexible pouch are separated when the support members are pivoted inwardly.