Parallel Bag Insertion Mechanism for Filling and Packaging Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing filling and packaging machines face difficulties in accelerating the production process due to the perpendicular intersection of inner and outer bag conveyance directions, making it challenging to suitably insert inner bags into outer bags.

Innovation Solution

A filling and packaging machine design where inner and outer bag webs are folded in half and sealed at set intervals, with rotating members and hoppers that allow for synchronized folding, filling, and sealing, enabling continuous and efficient insertion of inner bags into outer bags using grippers and linking mechanisms for parallel transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If intermittent conveyance is used to insert inner bags into outer bags with perpendicular conveyance directions, then the insertion can be achieved, but the production speed cannot be accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner bag insertionVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static perpendicular conveyance arrangement into a dynamic synchronized system where both inner and outer bag conveyance directions are changed to run parallel. The holding part rotates from a perpendicular orientation to a parallel orientation, enabling continuous conveyance while maintaining proper insertion alignment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing both ease of operation and high production speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of conveyance from perpendicular (intersecting at 90 degrees) to parallel (same direction). By rotating the holding part and synchronizing the conveyance directions, the system moves from a two-dimensional perpendicular intersection to a one-dimensional parallel arrangement, enabling continuous flow and eliminating the need for intermittent conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If perpendicular conveyance directions are used for inner and outer bags, then the sealing and cutting can be performed, but continuous transfer is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and cuttingVSAvoidcontinuous transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic synchronization where the holding part rotates in coordination with the conveyance system. Both inner and outer bags are conveyed in parallel directions simultaneously, with the holding part maintaining proper orientation throughout the transfer. This dynamic coordinated motion enables reliable sealing and cutting while achieving continuous transfer, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous conveyance of both inner and outer bags in parallel directions, eliminating the intermittent stop-and-go motion required by perpendicular conveyance. The synchronized rotation of the holding part and continuous movement of both bag streams enable uninterrupted sealing, filling, and cutting operations, achieving both reliability and continuous transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3569510B1Filling and packaging machine
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SHIBUYA PACKAGING SYST CORP
  • EP3569510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3569510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3569510B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filling and packaging machine capable of rapidly inserting an inner bag formed by a three-way seal inside an outer bag formed by a three-way seal. The filling and packaging machine 10 is provided with an inner-bag packaging machine 12 and an outer-bag packaging machine 14. The inner-bag packaging machine 12 is provided with a product-filling machine 18 forming an inner bag B1 from an inner-bag web S1 folded in half and filling the inner-bag web with product deposited from the top. The outer-bag packaging machine 14 forms an outer bag B2 from an outer-bag web S2 folded in half and inserts the inner bag B1 from the top. The outer-bag packaging machine 14 is arranged downstream of the inner-bag packaging machine and is provided with a plurality of grippers gripping the inner bags B1, a linking mechanism conveying the grippers to track the outer bags B2, and a cam mechanism raising and lowering the grippers. The grippers hold the cut inner bags B1 while being lowered and while tracking the outer bags B2 to thereby insert the inner bags B1 into the outer bags B2.