Robotized Flexible Package Transfer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a small, low-cost, high-quality, high-productivity, and reliable system to maintain the shape of flexible packages during transportation from a bagger to a closing system in the packaging industry, particularly for pet food, stock feed, and seeds, as existing solutions are either expensive, cumbersome, or lack integration with existing baggers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a multi-axis robot and a lift-assist platform that supports the weight of the package, allowing the robot to maintain the shape and guide the package to the closing system without needing to support its weight, using a conveyor for weight support and synchronized motion with the robot for efficient transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot is used to maintain bag shape and transport it to the closing system, then productivity and quality are improved, but the robot must be large and expensive to support the bag weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bag handling function into two separate components: a conveyor system that supports the bag weight and transports it, and a robot that performs only the dexterous task of maintaining bag shape and guiding it to the closing system. This segmentation allows the robot to be smaller and less expensive while still achieving high productivity and quality.
2Productivity
If a fully automated bagger is used, then productivity and quality are improved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges a semi-automatic bagger with an automated conveyor-robot system, creating a hybrid solution that achieves high productivity and quality without the full complexity and cost of a completely automated bagger. The conveyor and robot work together as an integrated system that complements the existing bagger.
3Manufacturing precision
If an in-line reshaping system is added to a semi-automatic bagger, then bag shape quality is improved, but the system becomes expensive and mechanically unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical in-line reshaping system with a robot that uses controlled motion and positioning to maintain bag shape. The robot's precision control system substitutes for the mechanical reshaping mechanisms, achieving high bag shape quality while improving reliability by eliminating complex mechanical components.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual bagging is used, then cost is reduced, but productivity is limited and quality is affected by operator factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the bag to be supported and transported automatically by the conveyor, freeing the operator from these tasks. The operator focuses only on the value-added task of maintaining bag shape, while the system serves itself by automatically transporting and positioning the bag at the closing system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for maintaining, transferring and transporting a flexible package. The system includes a manipulating system, preferably a five axis robot, for transferring and displacing the flexible package and a lift-assist platform positioned within a reach of the manipulating system for transporting the package and for supporting a weight of the flexible package. The system may be used more specifically for the transport and transfer of upright flexible packages. The system simplifies the tool supported by the robot, thus allowing use of a smaller robot.