Opening Device Application Unit for Food Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging machine systems for applying opening devices to sealed food packages lack flexibility in handling differently shaped devices and adhesive patterns, have synchronized cycle times, and struggle to achieve high throughput without compromising precision or increasing the pitch between packages.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a unit with conveying means, gripping devices, an infeed assembly, and a gluing assembly, utilizing transfer elements and a control unit to move gripping devices along multiple directions and apply adhesive substances with precision, allowing for flexible handling of variously shaped opening devices and patterns without reconfiguring the gluing or application assemblies, and enabling independent cycle times for adhesive and device application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional application assembly with linear conveyors and rotating carousel is used, then the system can apply opening devices to packages, but the system lacks flexibility in handling differently shaped devices and adhesive patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of gripping devices along curved paths with variable radius, allowing the application assembly to adapt to differently shaped opening devices and adhesive patterns without reconfiguring the entire system. The gripping devices can be positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, enabling flexible accommodation of various device geometries and adhesive application patterns.
2Productivity
If the packaging machine is designed for high throughput, then productivity increases, but the pitch between packages must be increased, reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear conveyor motion to curved/rotational motion paths, allowing packages to be processed in a compact circular footprint rather than requiring long linear spacing. This dimensional change enables high throughput processing while maintaining small pitch between packages, as multiple packages can be simultaneously positioned at different angular locations around the rotation axis.
3Device complexity
If the adhesive application and device application are synchronized, then the process is simplified, but the cycle time is constrained by the slower operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the opening devices beforehand during a preliminary action phase, before the devices are transferred to the packages. This allows the adhesive application cycle to be independent and completed in advance, eliminating the need to synchronize it with the device application cycle. The gripping devices carry the pre-adhered opening devices to the packages, enabling independent optimization of both adhesive and device application speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for the application of opening devices on respective sealed first packages of food products, comprising: at least one first gripping device configured to receive, in use, a relative opening device and movable along a first path; the first path comprising a first stretch in which the opening device is applied onto the package; a first track; a first transfer element, which is operatively connected to the first gripping device; and at least one second transfer element; the first transfer element is movable along the first track and is movable relative to and independently of second transfer element.