Automated Netting Packaging System with Movable Receiver Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for packaging products in netting material are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly for large or heavy items, as they require manual handling and clipping, which limits throughput and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate product chute, a breech-loader chute, and a receiving station with a movable receiver floor, along with a computer program product for controlling automated or semi-automated packaging, enables the efficient loading and packaging of products in netting material by automatically advancing and positioning them for clipping and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and clipping is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The netting material is pre-loaded onto the product chute before the product arrives, and the clipping mechanism is pre-positioned and automated, eliminating the need for manual intervention during the packaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically perform the entire packaging sequence including netting application and clipping without requiring operator intervention, allowing the equipment to service itself through automated mechanisms
2Productivity
If manual clipping is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The netting application and clipping functions are merged into a single integrated automated system that performs both operations sequentially without requiring separate manual processes
Solution Approach 2:
The automated clipping mechanism is designed to handle various product types and netting configurations through a universal automated system that can adapt to different packaging scenarios without requiring manual adjustment
3Productivity
If automated handling is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling system is segmented into distinct functional modules including the product chute, netting application mechanism, and clipping device, each performing a specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
A movable receiver floor acts as an intermediary element that transfers products between the breech-loader chute and the product chute, enabling automated handling while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design
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 system significantly increases packaging efficiency, allowing for automated handling and clipping of large items, such as meat products, at a rate of at least 12 per minute, improving throughput and reducing manual labor while ensuring consistent packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver floor is selectively movable between an extended receiving position and a retracted staging position to thereby support and move the target product for delivery to the product chute
Implementation Method 2
The primary chute body slopes downwardly in a direction of product travel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enclosing a target product in a covering material includes an elongate product chute, an elongate breech-loader chute and a receiving station. The elongate product chute has opposing ingress and egress end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough. The breech-loader chute has a primary chute body with opposing ingress and egress end portions residing above and upstream of the product chute in cooperating alignment therewith. The primary chute body slopes downwardly in a direction of product travel. The receiving station is disposed below the breech-loader chute and includes a receiver floor that receives the target product from the breech-loader chute. The receiver floor is selectively movable between an extended receiving position and a retracted staging position to thereby support and move the target product for delivery to the product chute.