Orthogonal Finger Mechanism for Flexible Container Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices face challenges in loading deformable objects, such as sheet goods, into flexible containers without causing damage or misalignment, especially during high-speed operations, and in accommodating varying container sizes and contents, including liquids, without leakage.

Innovation Solution

A device with movable components in orthogonal directions, featuring a conveying mechanism for containers and sheet goods, and extendable fingers that can move to open and expand the container opening, allowing for precise and flexible loading of sheet goods and liquids into flexible containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sheet goods are conveyed at high speed into flexible containers, then productivity is improved, but misalignment and improper loading occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading speedVSAvoidloading alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible container is pre-formed with a defined opening geometry and positioning features before loading. The container is pre-positioned in the conveying mechanism to ensure proper alignment with the sheet goods feed, eliminating the need for real-time alignment adjustments during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning mechanism or guide structure acts as an intermediary between the high-speed conveying system and the flexible container, ensuring that the container maintains proper orientation and position throughout the loading process despite the high speeds involved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the flexible container opening is expanded to accommodate sheet goods, then ease of loading is improved, but container structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading easeVSAvoidcontainer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container opening is dynamically adjusted during the loading process - expanded to accommodate sheet goods insertion, then returned to its original configuration. This dynamic behavior allows easy loading while maintaining structural integrity through the container's elastic recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container is constructed from flexible materials that can elastically deform to accommodate the loading process. The flexible walls and opening structure can expand during loading and then return to their original shape, maintaining integrity without permanent deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device accommodates different container sizes and counts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size accommodationVSAvoiddevice configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying mechanism and positioning system are designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple container sizes and configurations. Adjustable fixtures, scalable conveying paths, and flexible positioning mechanisms allow the same device to handle various container types without requiring complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9505512B2Sheet good loading device and method of loading sheet goods

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A device for loading deformable objects into a flexible container. The objects are controlled from a remote source point at least partially into the container. The device provides for simultaneous movement of fingers, between which the objects travel, in mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions.