Pivotable Gate Assembly for Intermittent Case Packing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current case packing systems for flexible articles, such as individually quick frozen (IQF) foods, lack versatility, efficiency, and reliability, with high operational complexity and mechanical complexity, and often require expensive robotic solutions, making them unsuitable for a wide range of packaging configurations and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A configurable and reconfigurable system for both flat and vertical packing operations, featuring an article accumulation station, a grouped article loading station, and a pusher assembly, which allows for minimal change parts and a small footprint, utilizing a selective article receiver assembly and a pivotable gate assembly to efficiently handle flexible containers like bags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a one-size-fits-most case packing system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but system versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate assembly is designed to be pivotable between multiple positions (first position for flat packing, second position for vertical packing, and intermediate positions) allowing the same physical structure to adapt to different packing configurations dynamically without requiring multiple separate systems or complex reconfiguration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gate assembly serves multiple functions by being positioned at different locations: it acts as a gate for flat packing when at the first position, as a gate for vertical packing when at the second position, and can be positioned intermediately to facilitate transitions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for different packing modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If robotic solutions are used for case packing, then packing precision is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking precisionVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex robotic mechanical systems with a simpler mechanical gate assembly that uses pivotable gates and pusher mechanisms. This substitution maintains packing precision through controlled mechanical positioning while significantly reducing system cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If change parts are performed for different packing modes, then system adaptability is improved, but downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gate assembly can be dynamically repositioned between flat packing position, vertical packing position, and intermediate positions during operation. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to switch between packing modes without stopping or requiring part changes, eliminating downtime while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If a small footprint system is designed, then space utilization is improved, but system capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem footprintVSAvoidsystem throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional positioning of the gate assembly (with multiple positions at different heights and orientations) to achieve high throughput within a compact footprint. The pivotable gate assembly and intermediate positioning capabilities allow the system to handle multiple packing configurations in a small area without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10759550B2Intermittent case packer assembly and methods

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 DOUGLAS MACHINE INC

AI summary

A system for loading an accumulated article group into a case is provided. The system includes an article accumulation station, a grouped article loading station, and a pusher assembly. The accumulation station includes an article receiver assembly in furtherance of delimiting an accumulated article group, and a grouped article guide structure within which the accumulated article group is positionable by operation of the article receiver assembly. The grouped article loading station includes a gate assembly, having first and second operable configurations, and an actuatable gate through which the accumulated article group passes during loading of the group into a case presented for receipt of same. The pusher assembly includes an actuatable pusher for effectuating a transfer of the accumulated article group from the accumulation station to the loading station, flat packing operations effectuated via transfer of the grouped article guide structure over the actuatable gate of the first operably configured pivotable gate assembly by the pusher, vertical packing operations effectuated via transfer of the accumulated article group to the actuatable gate of the second operably configured pivotable gate assembly.