Portioning Device Synchronization in Tubular Bag Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging unit manufacturing processes face challenges in synchronizing horizontal and vertical conveyor systems, requiring additional devices to manage product arrangement and film web envelope, which increases device expenditure and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a portioning device with independently circulating guide and end stops to synchronize the horizontal and vertical conveyors, allowing for efficient transfer and envelope formation without additional synchronization devices, using the portioning device itself to manage product arrangement and speed adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a special synchronization device is added to manage the interface between horizontal conveyor and portioning device, then the synchronization reliability is improved, but the device complexity and expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portioning device is designed to perform multiple functions: it both portions products into defined arrangements AND synchronizes the horizontal conveyor with the vertical conveyor. The circulating conveyor with independently controllable guide stop and end stop serves as both a portioning mechanism and a speed adaptation device, eliminating the need for separate synchronization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization function is merged into the portioning device itself. The control unit integrates both portioning control and speed adaptation functions, allowing the same mechanical components (circulating conveyor, stops) to serve dual purposes of product arrangement and conveyor synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the portioning device operates at variable speed to synchronize with conveyors, then the synchronization flexibility is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating conveyor is designed with variable speed capability, allowing the portioning device to dynamically adapt its operating speed to match the horizontal and vertical conveyors. The independent controllable guide stop and end stop enable flexible speed adjustment during the portioning cycle, providing synchronization flexibility without requiring complex multi-device coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the position and speed of the circulating conveyor, horizontal conveyor, and vertical conveyor, using feedback signals to automatically adjust the portioning device speed and maintain synchronization. This closed-loop control simplifies the overall system by using electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
3Manufacturing precision
If independently circulating guide stop and end stop are used, then the portioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portioning mechanism is segmented into independently controllable components: the guide stop and end stop can circulate independently on the circulating conveyor. This segmentation allows precise control over product positioning, as each stop can be controlled separately to achieve exact portion arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method as well as to an apparatus for manufacturing packaging units in a tubular bag forming, filling and sealing machine. Separated products (46, 47) are transferred to a portioning device (20) by means of a horizontal conveyor (18) in order to manufacture portion units (21) with a defined arrangement and number of products, and the portion units, which are enveloped by a film web (34), are subsequently conveyed to a separating device with the help of a vertical conveyor (22) in order to separate the packaging units. The portioning device is used both to manufacture the portion units and to synchronize the portioning device with the horizontal conveyor and the vertical conveyor.