Flexible Pouch Fitment Tap Removal and Reattachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of shipping flexible pouches with separate fitments and taps incurs high transportation and manufacturing costs, and results in lost taps, as the fitments are closed with a seal to prevent contamination during transportation and filling, requiring additional tooling for tap removal and mounting.
Innovation Solution
A machine that integrates a gripper and filler to remove and reattach the tap onto the fitment during filling operations, allowing for the tap to be transported and secured in a fixed position, reducing costs and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fitment is closed with a seal to prevent contamination during transportation, then the pouch interior is protected from contamination, but additional tooling is required for removing the seal and mounting the taps
Solution Approach 1:
The tap is mounted onto the fitment before the pouch is sealed and shipped. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for separate seal removal and tap mounting operations, as the tap is already in position when the pouch arrives at the filling facility. The seal is applied over the pre-assembled tap-fitment unit, protecting it during transportation without requiring additional tooling for disassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fitment and tap are shipped separately, then the tap can be mounted separately, but transportation costs increase and taps may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tap and fitment are combined into a single integrated assembly that is shipped together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate transportation of tap and fitment, reducing shipping costs and the risk of loss. The integrated assembly maintains ease of manufacture by allowing the tap to be pre-mounted on the fitment in a standardized manner that simplifies both manufacturing and filling operations.
3Loss of energy
If the tap is pre-mounted on the fitment, then transportation costs are reduced, but the tap must be removed and reattached during filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tap is pre-mounted on the fitment before shipping, which reduces transportation costs. During filling operations, the pre-assembled tap-fitment unit is inserted into the pouch, and the seal is applied over it. This eliminates the need for separate tap mounting operations during filling, actually improving productivity by reducing the number of steps required at the filling facility.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for filling a flexible pouch having a fitment assembly, a gripper and a filler. The fitment assembly having a tap and a fitment mounted to the pouch body. The gripper operable to remove the tap from the fitment, retain the tap during filling operations, and mount the tap back onto the fitment after filling operations. The fitment assembly having a tap operable to be mounted on the fitment in a transport position and a fixed position, wherein in the transport position a first predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. In the fixed position, a second predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. The second predetermined amount of force is substantially larger than the first predetermined amount of force.