Integrated Gas Sealing in Pouch Transfer Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines for pouch type packages with gas-filled handle compartments are bulky due to the need for separate gas filling and sealing stations, leading to inefficient use of space and potential gas leaks during handling.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that integrates a gas sealing unit into the transfer unit's gripping member, allowing for immediate sealing of the handle compartment during transfer from the gas filling station to a downstream station, eliminating the need for a separate gas sealing station and enhancing compactness by synchronizing the sealing process with package transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate gas sealing station is provided downstream of the gas filling station, then the handle compartment can be sealed after gas introduction, but the filling machine becomes bulky and space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas sealing function with the transfer unit by integrating a sealing member into the transfer gripper. This allows the sealing operation to be performed during the transfer process itself, eliminating the need for a separate downstream sealing station and reducing the machine's overall footprint while maintaining reliable sealing of the handle compartment
2Reliability
If a separate gas sealing station is provided downstream, then gas can be sealed in the handle compartment, but the machine structure becomes complex and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it transfers packages between stations and simultaneously seals the handle compartment. The transfer gripper incorporates both gripping elements for package handling and a sealing member for seal formation, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles and reducing the total number of required stations
3Reliability
If the package is moved to a separate gas sealing station, then sealing can be performed, but gas leaks may occur during the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing operation is performed immediately after gas introduction, during the transfer process itself, rather than after the package reaches a separate sealing station. The sealing member is positioned to engage with the package during transfer, creating the seal before the package is fully transferred, thereby preventing gas leaks that could occur during extended transfer periods
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
This solution enables a more compact filling machine design, reduces the risk of gas leaks, and improves space utilization by integrating the gas sealing function into the transfer process, allowing for efficient handling and sealing of gas-filled handle compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a gas filling station arranged to introduce gas into the handle portion for inflation thereof
Implementation Method 2
a gas sealing unit integrated in the gripping member of the transfer unit, the gas sealing unit comprising a second sealing member arranged to provide the pouch type package with a second seal entrapping gas introduced into the handle compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for filling a pouch type package with a liquid product, comprising a plurality of stations arranged to consecutively receive and handle the pouch type package, the plurality of stations comprising a filling station for filling the product compartment with the liquid product, a sealing station for sealing the product compartment and comprising a first sealing member arranged to provide the pouch type package with a first seal closing the filling duct, a gas filling station arranged to introduce gas into the handle compartment, and a transfer unit comprising a gripping member for retrieving the package from the gas filling station and transferring it to a neighboring down-stream situated station. A gas sealing unit (36) integrated in the gripping member of the transfer unit, the gas sealing unit (36) comprising a second sealing member (37) arranged to provide the pouch type package with a second seal entrapping gas introduced into the handle compartment. The invention also relates to a method for filling a pouch type package.