Pivotable Folding Mechanism for Continuous Sachet Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for packaging continuous sheets of sachets into containers are inefficient, often requiring interruptions in the flow of incoming sheets and lacking in speed for effective folding and placement.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a pivotable folding mechanism and a collection receptacle to fold and stack sheets of sachets into discrete lengths, allowing for continuous processing without interrupting the flow, featuring a folding arm that pivots to fold sheets into layers and a holding mechanism to buffer sheets during folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If prior folding and packing processes are used, then sachets can be packaged into containers, but the flow of incoming sheets must be interrupted to carry out folding and placement steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidinterruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the continuous sheet processing into discrete folding units that can be handled independently. The sheet is segmented into individual foldable sections that are processed through the folding mechanism one at a time, allowing continuous flow while maintaining controlled folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the incoming sheet conveyor and the folding mechanism. This intermediary component receives continuous sheets, positions them for folding, and transfers folded units to the container, enabling the folding process to occur without interrupting the overall sheet flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual folding and placement processes are used, then sachets can be packaged into containers, but the process speed is insufficient for effective folding and placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidprocess efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is designed to automatically fold sheets without manual intervention. The apparatus self-regulates the folding process through mechanical means, with the sheet itself guiding the folding action through its configuration and the mechanism's geometric constraints, eliminating the need for powered manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical folding with an automated folding mechanism that uses controlled mechanical motion. The folding arm or blade system substitutes human hand operations with precision-engineered mechanical components that can fold sheets at high speed with consistent force and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10737820B2Apparatus for packing products into containers

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method and apparatus for packing products into containers is described herein. More particularly, the method and apparatus are directed to packaging sheets of packages such as pouches or sachets that are joined together end-to-end. The apparatus may include a folding mechanism and a collection receptacle. The method and apparatus may perform one or more steps simultaneously so that the folding and packing of such sheets into containers can be carried out without the flow of incoming sheets being interrupted.