Tray With Partitions For Pouch Orientation And Automated Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transporting and loading flexible container pouches, such as Doypacks, result in inefficiencies due to random orientation, requiring manual sorting and preventing automation, leading to operator waste and unoptimized space usage.
Innovation Solution
A tray with protruding partitions that organize pouches transversely, allowing for automated loading and orientation, and enabling efficient storage and reuse by nesting or stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pouches are transported in cardboard boxes without orientation control, then space utilization is maximized, but manual sorting and orientation determination is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pouches are pre-oriented in the tray during the manufacturing process before transport. The tray structure with partitions and the manufacturing machine work together to ensure pouches are inserted in a predetermined orientation (mouths facing the same direction), eliminating the need for manual orientation determination at the filling line.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design with its specific partition configuration and the manufacturing process work together to automatically maintain pouch orientation without requiring human intervention. The system serves itself by ensuring proper orientation through the insertion mechanism rather than relying on operator actions.
2Productivity
If pouches are randomly arranged in boxes, then loading speed is increased, but automation of the loading procedure is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation and arrangement of pouches are predetermined during manufacturing and insertion into the tray. The partition structure and insertion mechanism ensure pouches are positioned in a specific orientation (mouths facing the same direction) before transport, enabling automated handling at the filling line without requiring random arrangement.
3Reliability
If operator determines pouch orientation manually, then correct loading is achieved, but operator time and labor are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for operator intervention in orientation determination. The tray design with partitions and the manufacturing process work together to automatically ensure correct pouch orientation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating wasted operator time while maintaining loading accuracy.
4Productivity
If pouches are conveyed from manufacturing location to filling line, then production continuity is maintained, but additional conveying steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tray serves multiple functions: it acts as both the manufacturing container and the transport carrier to the filling line. The same tray that receives pouches during manufacturing is used for transport and subsequent loading at the filling line, eliminating the need for transfer containers or complex conveying systems between different locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray and its use for conveying pouches for flexible containers such as Doypacks includes a number of partitions that protrude from the base of the tray so as to form between them spaces for the transverse containment of packs of pouches for flexible containers. The containment spaces are used to contain the packs of pouches in a direction that is transverse to the partitions.