Self-Closing Pouch Frame With Movable Couplers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pouch handling systems in high-volume distribution centers require manual operation for unloading and are inefficient as they need pouches to remain open for loading and unloading, leading to potential loss of goods during conveyance.

Innovation Solution

A pouch conveying system with self-closing frames that can be automatically opened by pouch opening devices for loading and unloading, using torsion and leaf spring devices to create top and bottom openings, and then close to secure contents during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pouches remain open for loading and unloading, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of goods during conveyance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loading and unloadingVSAvoidsecurity of goods during conveyance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch frame incorporates movable couplers that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the pouch to dynamically change from an open state during loading/unloading to a closed secured state during conveyance. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the pouch to have different operational states at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The self-closing mechanism is pre-configured with springs and couplers that automatically secure the pouch after loading or unloading operations. The preliminary setup of these mechanical components ensures that the pouch will automatically close and lock without manual intervention, preventing goods loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for pouch handling, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates in high-volume distribution centers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control flexibilityVSAvoidhandling speed in high-volume centers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch frame's self-closing mechanism automatically performs the closing and locking actions that would otherwise require manual operation. The springs and couplers work together to automatically secure the pouch after loading or unloading, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly increasing handling speed while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch handling system operates in periodic cycles: open state for loading/unloading, then automatic closing and locking, followed by conveyance, then repeat. This periodic automatic operation eliminates continuous manual intervention while maintaining the flexibility of manual control when needed, thereby increasing productivity in high-volume environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If self-closing frames with springs are used, then reliability is improved by preventing goods loss, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of goods lossVSAvoidstructure of pouch frame

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch frame is segmented into distinct functional components: first and second frame sections, multiple couplers (first and second couplers), and spring elements (first and second springs). Each segment performs a specific function, and the modular design allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving reliable automatic closing through the coordinated action of these segmented components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Automates the pouch handling process, reducing manual labor, preventing goods from falling out, and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of distribution centers by selectively opening and closing pouches as needed.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler may include a torsion spring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first joint and the second joint may include a leaf spring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeaf spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10737889B2Pouch conveyor

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pouch conveying system for routing one or more pouches. Each pouch may include at least one self-closing frame attached to an end of a pouch body. The self-closing frame has a first frame section having at least two portions coupled to each other through a first joint, and a second frame section having at least two portions coupled to each other through a second joint. The second frame section coupled to the first frame section at a first end by a first coupler and at a second end by a second coupler, such that at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler move inward, flexing the first frame section and the second frame section about the first joint and the second joint.