Pouch Wrapping Machine Staggered Stack Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for packaging pouch wrappings are complex to set up, bulky, expensive, and inefficient in creating uniform stacks, making them difficult to transport and wrap with plastic layers, leading to increased costs and packaging time.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a support frame, first and second gripping means, and packaging means that allows for the staggered stacking and wrapping of pouch wrappings groups, using a system of rotating platforms and controlled movement to create a uniform stack that can be easily wrapped with flexible material and sealed for transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pouch wrappings are stacked vertically all positioned at the same angle, then the stacking process is simple, but the stack has uneven shape with greater height at the bottoms, making it difficult to pack and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking process simplicityVSAvoidstack uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by alternating the angular position of pouch groups between 0° and 180° in successive stacks. This creates a staggered arrangement where the bottom of one group is positioned above the openings of the next group, resulting in a uniform stack height and rectangular shape that is easy to pack and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Shape

If pouch wrappings are stacked in staggered manner at different angular positions, then the stack has uniform height, but the machine becomes complex to set up and very bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestack uniformityVSAvoidmachine setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stacking function into two simple, fixed platforms: a first platform for receiving pouch groups at 0° and a second platform for receiving pouch groups at 180°. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex rotating mechanisms while achieving the staggered stacking effect through simple alternating operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex rotating platform to change the angle of pouch groups, the patent inverts the approach by using two fixed platforms at fixed angles (0° and 180°) and simply alternating between them. This simplifies the machine structure while achieving the same staggered stacking result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Shape

If pouch wrappings are stacked in staggered manner, then the stack has uniform height, but it increases packaging time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestack uniformityVSAvoidpackaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous operation by having two platforms work in parallel alternation. While one platform is being filled with pouch groups at one angle, the other platform simultaneously receives pouch groups at the opposite angle. This continuous alternating process eliminates idle time and maintains high packaging speed while achieving uniform stack formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4201822B1Machine for packaging groups of pouch wrappings

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 SITEC SRL

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AI summary

A machine for making pouch wrappings, comprising a support frame (2); first gripping means (5) mechanically mounted on said support frame (2) in the proximity of said inlet section (3) and movable at least between a loading configuration in which they receive said group of pouch wrappings, a first unloading configuration and a second unloading configuration rotated about 180° compared to said first unloading configuration; second gripping means (6) mechanically mounted on said support frame (2) and movable between a first configuration in which they pick up said group of pouch wrappings from said first gripping means (5) in said first unloading configuration with said group of pouch wrappings in a first angular position or in said second unloading configuration with said group of pouch wrappings in a second angular position, and a second configuration in which they release said group of pouch wrappings to form a stack of pouch wrappings groups; said stack of pouch wrappings groups being made with assemblies vertically stacked with each other in the first angular position and in the second angular position in an alternating manner; packaging means (7) mechanically mounted on said support frame (2) and configured to receive said stack of pouch wrappings groups and wrap said stack with at least a layer of flexible material and make said wrapping.