Rotating Forward Module for Vertical Packaging Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical packaging machines face complexity in format changes due to the large number of elements and the presence of a conveyor belt, which hinders access to essential components like the forming tube, longitudinal sealing tool, and transverse sealing and cutting tool, requiring cumbersome movements and orientations to change package typologies such as pillow-type to Doypack-type packages.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a forward movement module that can rotate around the forming tube, allowing it to be positioned in multiple operating positions, enabling the longitudinal sealing tool to be arranged without interfering with the transverse sealing and cutting tool, thus simplifying format changes by allowing different orientations and minimizing the need for additional movements or oversized supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine uses a fixed arrangement of sealing tools and conveyor belt, then the structure is stable and robust, but access to components for maintenance and format changes is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the forward movement module rotatable around the forming tube. This allows the module to be dynamically repositioned between different operating positions, enabling easy access to components for maintenance and format changes while maintaining structural robustness during operation. The rotatable mechanism transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is designed for a single package typology, then the structure is simple and robust, but adaptability to different package formats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the forward movement module to perform multiple functions through rotation. The same module can be positioned to work with different longitudinal sealing tool orientations (pillow-type or Doypack-type packages), eliminating the need for separate dedicated modules for each package type. This multi-functional design increases adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable forward movement module enables the machine to dynamically adapt to different package typologies. By rotating the module to different positions, the machine can switch between pillow-type and Doypack-type packaging without requiring complex reconfiguration of multiple static elements, thus achieving versatility with controlled complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the longitudinal sealing tool is positioned to work with pillow-type packages, then it is arranged parallel to the transverse sealing tool, but it cannot be repositioned for Doypack-type packages requiring perpendicular orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the forward movement module rotatable, which consequently rotates the longitudinal sealing tool to different orientations. For pillow-type packages, the module positions the longitudinal sealing tool parallel to the transverse sealing tool. For Doypack-type packages, rotation positions it perpendicular. This dynamic repositioning simplifies format changes compared to fixed arrangements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the machine includes all necessary sealing and movement elements, then it can generate various package typologies, but the large number of elements complicates access and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable forward movement module consolidates multiple functions (forward movement, longitudinal sealing, and positioning) into a single dynamic unit. By rotating this module, operators can access different components for maintenance and can reconfigure the machine for different package types, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple sealing and movement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the forward movement function with the longitudinal sealing function in a single integrated module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate elements that need to be accessed and maintained, as the same module that provides forward movement also carries and positions the longitudinal sealing tool, simplifying overall system access and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Vertical packaging machine for generating packages from a film that according to one embodiment includes a film feeder and a forming tube with a longitudinal axis. The forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to the film. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal tool for longitudinally sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together and generating a film tube. The machine also includes a module for moving the film tube, and a transverse tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube. The module is configured for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube, being arranged in different operating positions, such that it allows arranging the longitudinal tool required in different positions for generating packages having different topologies and/or different sizes without the need of moving the transverse tool.