Packing Machine Gusset Spreading Mechanism for Variable Bag Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packing machines are limited in their ability to fill a wide range of container sizes due to the fixed width of the filling nozzle, restricting the variety of bag sizes that can be processed without costly conversions.
Innovation Solution
A packing machine with a spreading device that pulls out side gussets from the open bag, allowing for a larger filling opening, enabling the processing of bags with narrower widths and varying volumes from 2 to 50 liters without significant machine conversion, and featuring a transport device for attaching the open bag to a filling spout and a closure device for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filling nozzle is designed with a large cross-section to ensure fast filling, then filling speed is improved, but the width of the processed hose material cannot be reduced, limiting the variety of bag sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gussets movable rather than fixed. The gussets can be pulled outwards to enlarge the filling opening when needed, and remain folded when not needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the filling nozzle to maintain a large cross-section for fast filling while accommodating bags of various widths by temporarily expanding the opening when processing narrower bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by folding the gussets into the bag when not in use. The gussets are stored within the bag structure in a compact form, similar to nested dolls. When a narrow bag needs to be filled, the gussets are pulled out from their nested state to enlarge the filling opening, then returned to their nested position afterward. This allows the filling system to adapt to different bag sizes without requiring multiple fixed-configured nozzles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hose material width is reduced to fill smaller bags, then adaptability to different bag sizes is improved, but the filling speed decreases due to the limited cross-section of the filling nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a large-cross-section filling nozzle for high-speed filling capability. When smaller bags need to be filled, the gussets are dynamically pulled outwards to temporarily enlarge the filling opening to match the smaller bag width. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the filling speed is not compromised by the reduced bag size, as the opening can be adapted on-demand rather than being fixed to a small dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling nozzle is designed with multi-functionality through the movable gusset mechanism. A single filling nozzle configuration can handle both large and small bags by adjusting the gusset position. When filling large bags, the gussets remain folded and the full opening is used. When filling small bags, the gussets are pulled out to reduce the effective opening width. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized nozzles and maintains high filling speed across different bag sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gussets are pulled out to create a larger filling opening, then the ability to process narrower bags is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset spreading mechanism is designed to be actuated by the bag itself during the filling process. As the bag is fed into the filling nozzle, the interaction between the bag material and the nozzle structure automatically pulls the gussets outwards to the required position. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external actuation systems, motors, or automated control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving the adaptability to process narrow bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The gussets are pre-configured in the bag structure to be easily movable and spreadable. The bag design includes features such as pre-formed gusset folds and appropriate material properties that enable the gussets to be pulled out with minimal force. This preliminary preparation of the bag structure allows the spreading mechanism to operate with simplicity, reducing the complexity of the device while maintaining the capability to process various bag widths.
Data Source
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AI summary
The bag (1) is formed from a bag wall (2) which extends the bag from an end (3) to another end (4), where the bag wall is provided with side folds at the former end and is formed as flat bag at the latter end. The bag wall has corner seams at the former end. The bag wall is formed in two layers at the latter end over the entire width. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a packing machine for filling bags; and (2) a method for filling the bags.