Long Pasta Packaging Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for long pasta and similar products result in bags with trapped air, leading to decreased organoleptic properties and increased bulkiness due to the inability to effectively remove air from the packaging.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a conveyor belt and vertically and horizontally moving curved plates to compress the bags after transversal welding and cutting, facilitating air release and minimizing bag dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging methods are used to form bags with pasta doses, then the bags can be easily sealed and produced, but air remains trapped inside the bags causing increased bulkiness and decreased organoleptic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary compression action to the bag contents immediately after sealing. The compression device compresses the pasta dose and film in the longitudinal direction before the bag is fully formed and moved to the cutting station. This preliminary action removes air from the bag while the structure is still pliable, preventing air entrapment that would otherwise occur with conventional sealing methods alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compression is applied to remove air from bags, then air is effectively removed improving product quality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is integrated into the existing packaging line as a multi-functional unit. The same compression mechanism serves multiple purposes: compressing the pasta dose, removing air from the bag, and shaping the final package. The device works in coordination with the existing sealing and cutting mechanisms, allowing one piece of equipment to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device employs movable compression elements that can dynamically adjust their position and force application. The compression plates or rollers are mounted on actuators that allow them to move into the compression position, apply force, and then retract. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different bag sizes and product types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to static complex mechanisms.
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 significantly reduces air inside the bags, maintaining the product's quality and reducing bag size, resulting in more efficient packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved plate (11), which is moved vertically by first moving means (12) fixed to a U-shaped support frame (13), which is, in turn, fixed above said conveyor belt (10), said first moving means (12) being configured to compress the bags in formation against the conveyor belt (10) by means of the first curved plate (11)
Implementation Method 2
a second curved plate (21), which is moved horizontally by second moving means (22) which are fixed on said first curved plate (11), said second moving means (22) being configured to translate the second curved plate (21) along a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A group (1) for compressing bags (200) in formation of long pasta or similar products in a packaging machine (100) is described. The group (1) comprises: - a conveyor belt (10), which is moved in the feed direction of the succession of doses (5) of pasta, suitable to receive the bags (200) in formation downstream of a welding group (7), - a first curved plate (11), which is moved vertically by first moving means (12) configured to compress the bags (200) in formation against the conveyor belt (10) by means of the first curved plate (11), - a second curved plate (21), which is moved horizontally by second moving means (22) configured to translate the second curved plate (21) along a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (10). (Fig. 1)