Vertical Packaging Machine Flow Generator for Blockage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vertical packaging machines face issues with product blockages upstream of the forming element, leading to incomplete packaging and reduced efficiency, especially when handling fragile or fibrous products like lettuce and snacks.

Innovation Solution

A vertical packaging machine design incorporating a hopper and forming element that forms a vertical supply conduit, with a flow generator injecting a controlled gaseous fluid through a distributor with a smaller outlet area than the inlet, creating a Venturi effect to accelerate products and prevent blockages by generating negative pressure and suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If product is supplied through a vertical supply conduit from hopper to forming element, then packaging speed is improved, but product blockages occur upstream of the forming element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidproduct blockage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by injecting a gaseous fluid (air) through an injection device positioned upstream of the forming element. The injected fluid creates a flow that accelerates products downward through the supply conduit, preventing blockages while maintaining high packaging speed. The distributor with inlet and outlet mouths directs the fluid flow effectively through the supply conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of the air by injecting it at controlled pressure and velocity through the injection device. By adjusting the fluid injection parameters (pressure, flow rate, timing), the system optimizes product acceleration to prevent blockages without compromising packaging speed. The control device manages these parameter changes dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a distributor with smaller outlet area than inlet area is used, then fluid velocity and negative pressure are increased to prevent blockages, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage preventionVSAvoiddistributor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor acts as an intermediary component between the injection device and the supply conduit. It mediates the fluid flow by transforming the inlet flow into a high-velocity outlet jet through its geometry (smaller outlet area). This intermediary structure creates the necessary negative pressure and suction effect to prevent blockages without requiring direct modification of the injection device or supply conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If gaseous fluid is injected to accelerate products, then product transfer completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct transfer completenessVSAvoidfluid injection energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The injection device operates periodically, injecting gaseous fluid in controlled pulses rather than continuously. The control device timing the injection ensures fluid is supplied only when needed to accelerate products through the supply conduit. This periodic action completes product transfer reliably while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous fluid injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 controlled fluid injection enhances product acceleration, reduces blockage formation, and increases packaging speed, ensuring complete product transfer and efficient packaging of delicate items.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11344037B2Vertical packaging machine for packaging products and associated method

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 ULMA PACKAGING SCOOP

AI summary

A vertical packaging machine for packaging products is provided that includes a forming element with an upper mouth and a hopper upstream of the forming element. At least the hopper and the forming element form a conduit through which the product falls. A flow generator includes an injection device for injecting a gaseous fluid through a distributor for directing the fluid to the conduit. The distributer has an inlet mouth for receiving the gaseous fluid and an outlet mouth with an area smaller than the area of the inlet mouth. The injection device is controlled by a control device that is configured to cause the injection device to perform an injection for each product to be packaged in one and the same package, the start and end of which depend on the position of the product with respect to the upper mouth and the outlet mouth.