Automated Part Packing System Using Air Nozzle Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated packaging of irregularly shaped parts, particularly those with a length to width or diameter ratio greater than 20:1, is challenging due to the complexity of existing automated processes, which often require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automated part packing system comprising a bag holding machine with first and second bag gripper mechanisms and an air nozzle, which inflates an elongated bag to receive and securely hold elongated parts without human intervention, using multi-axis robots to position and load the parts into the bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated processes are used for bagging irregular shaped parts, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an air nozzle to inflate the elongated bag, creating internal pressure that expands the bag to receive the part. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical manipulation systems, simplifying the automated process while maintaining productivity for irregular shaped parts with length to width ratios greater than 20:1
2Device complexity
If manual process is used for bagging irregular shaped parts, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated bag inflates itself through the air nozzle without requiring external mechanical manipulation. The bag's own structure and the applied airflow work together to create the receiving space, eliminating the need for complex automated positioning mechanisms and reducing device complexity while enabling automation
3Ease of operation
If elongated bag is inflated before part insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is inflated in advance before the part is inserted, creating a ready-to-receive configuration. This preliminary inflation simplifies the subsequent part loading operation, making the system easier to operate despite the energy required for inflation, as the inflated state prepares the bag for immediate part reception without additional manipulation steps
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
Enables efficient, automated, and reliable packaging of elongated parts into elongated bags, reducing manual handling and ensuring consistent packaging without part damage, facilitating further processing or shipping.
Implementation Method 1
The air nozzle is configured to inflate the elongated bag with an airflow directed into the first end of the elongated bag
Data Source
AI summary
A part packing system for packing a part in an elongated bag includes a bag holding machine including a first bag gripper mechanism, a second bag gripper mechanism, and an air nozzle. The first bag gripper mechanism is configured to hold a first end of the elongated bag. The first bag gripper mechanism opens the first end of the elongated bag. The second bag gripper mechanism is configured to hold a second end of the elongated bag. The second bag gripper mechanism closes the second end of the elongated bag. The air nozzle is located proximate to the first bag gripper mechanism. The air nozzle is configured to inflate the elongated bag with an airflow directed into the first end of the elongated bag. The first bag gripper mechanism holds the inflated elongated bag with the first end open to receive the part in the open first end while the air nozzle directs the airflow into the elongated bag.