Three-Arm Gripper Pouch Packaging Machine Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for transporting flexible pouches between manufacturing and filling stations face difficulties in opening and closing pouches with multiple chambers, requiring excessive space for articulation, leading to a larger footprint and inefficient use of manufacturing space.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a movable base with a pair of side arms and a center arm, equipped with gripping mechanisms, allows for the opening, closing, and movement of flexible pouches between production stations with reduced articulation space, enabling closer pouch placement and a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pair of articulating arms is used to grasp and open pouches, then the pouch can be opened and closed, but excessive clearance space is required between pouches for arm articulation, increasing machine footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The single articulating arm is segmented into three separate arms (first arm, second arm, and third arm), each with its own gripping mechanism. This segmentation allows each arm to operate independently with minimal clearance requirements, eliminating the need for excessive space between pouches while maintaining the ability to open and close pouches effectively.
2Ease of operation
If adequate space is provided between pouches for articulation of arms, then the arms can move freely to open and close pouches, but the turret or conveyor system becomes larger than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation function is segmented across three separate arms mounted on the turret, allowing each arm to operate in its own localized space. This eliminates the need for a large clearance zone between pouches, thereby reducing the overall turret diameter and volume without compromising articulation freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The three arms are arranged in a triangular configuration around the pouch, utilizing radial spacing rather than linear clearance. This dimensional arrangement allows each arm to articulate freely in its own sector while minimizing the overall footprint of the turret system.
3Device complexity
If a traditional pair of gripping arms is used, then the machine structure is simple, but it is difficult to open and close pouches with multiple chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is segmented into three separate gripping mechanisms distributed around the pouch perimeter. This segmentation enables selective engagement with different portions of multi-chamber pouches, allowing the first arm to engage one chamber while the second and third arms engage other chambers or the seal area, thereby providing versatile handling capability while maintaining relatively simple individual arm structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each of the three arms is equipped with a gripping mechanism positioned at a specific location optimized for its function. The first arm's gripper is positioned to engage the pouch body, while the second and third arms' grippers are positioned to engage the seal area or other chambers, providing localized quality that enhances multi-chamber pouch handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to machines and apparatuses for manufacturing and filling containers, specifically to machines and apparatus for transporting flexible pouches between manufacturing and filling stations with the ability to open and close the flexible pouch. The apparatus includes a movable base with a pair of side arms. Each of the side arms is movable between a first position and a second position. A center arm is attached to the base. The center arm is disposed between the pair of side arms. A gripping mechanism is disposed at an end portion of each of the side arms and the center arm. The pouches are moved between production stations by movement of the base. The present disclosure also includes a method for opening, closing, and moving a flexible pouch between one or more production stations.