Suction Gripping for Automatic Stretching of Deformed Packaging Flaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying and opening flaps of deformed or crumpled packaging in the chemical, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors are inefficient, potentially damaging contents, and unsuitable for sterile environments, especially when handling delicate or fragile objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using suction-based gripping means to stabilize the packaging while allowing the object to move, facilitating the stretching of the opening flap through controlled movement, ensuring hygienic conditions and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotating brushes are used to orient the packaging and cut the opening flap, then the opening flap can be identified and cut, but many particles are generated which pollute the sterile environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating brush system with a suction-based system. A suction device creates a pressure difference that draws the opening flap towards a cutting element, eliminating the need for rotating brushes and preventing particle generation in the sterile environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using suction (negative pressure) to control the movement of the opening flap. The suction device creates a pressure gradient that moves the flap without mechanical contact, avoiding contamination while enabling precise positioning for cutting.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a pointed tubular element or needle is inserted inside the bag to blow air under pressure, then the opening flap becomes visible and identifiable, but the needle must be sterilized before each use making the method too long and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle insertion method with a suction-based system. Instead of inserting a needle and blowing air in, the system uses suction to draw the opening flap towards the cutting element, achieving flap visibility and positioning without requiring needle sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suction device as an intermediary between the external environment and the packaging interior. This intermediary creates the necessary pressure difference to make the opening flap visible and movable without requiring direct insertion of sterilizable needles into the package.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If vacuum environment is created to expand the volume of air inside packaging, then the external surfaces stretch and opening flap becomes identifiable, but the apparatus is very complex and expensive requiring a plant to create and maintain vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized pressure difference only at the opening flap area rather than creating a complete vacuum environment. The suction device focuses the pressure gradient locally on the flap, achieving identification without requiring a complex vacuum system for the entire packaging volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by applying suction only where needed (at the opening flap) rather than creating full vacuum throughout the packaging. This partial approach achieves the necessary flap expansion and identification while avoiding the complexity and cost of a complete vacuum system.
4Ease of operation
If rotating gripper is used to grip and rotate the packaging, then the packaging can be processed, but it is not suitable to effectively identify the opening flap especially if the packaging is particularly deformed or crumpled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating gripper with a suction-based identification system. Instead of relying on mechanical rotation to bring the flap to a readable position, the suction device directly draws the flap towards the cutting element, making it visible and identifiable even when the packaging is deformed or crumpled.
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
Enables efficient, automated, and hygienic identification and opening of packaging flaps without damaging contents, suitable for sterile environments and various packaging sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a manipulator member having first gripping means provided with suction members configured to selectively and temporarily couple with the closed packaging
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for automatically stretching an opening flap of packaging containing at least one object includes suction gripping members configured to cooperate selectively and at least temporarily, but in a stable way, with the packaging to make the opening flap able to be identified and gripped for a subsequent processing thereof.