Tubular Bagging Machine Transfer Unit for Lumpy Products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular bagging machines are cumbersome and inefficient for packaging lumpy products, as they require complex kinematics and are limited to specific product orientations, making them unsuitable for unpackaged products and unable to handle products with non-flat sides effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lane tubular bagging machine with a simplified design featuring a product guide, extraction device, longitudinal sealing, transfer unit, side folding device, transverse sealing unit, and cutting unit, allowing for horizontal-to-vertical product transfer and flexible packaging of lumpy products with reduced moving parts and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tubular bagging machines are used for lumpy products, then packaging can be performed, but the machine construction becomes cumbersome with many moving parts and complex kinematics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of product transfer from the complex existing machine system. Instead of using multiple vertical conveyors, horizontal transfer units, and stack holders with complex kinematics, the invention uses a simple deflection unit that redirects products from horizontal to vertical conveyance. This extraction of the core function eliminates unnecessary moving parts while maintaining packaging reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a single deflection unit instead of multiple complex transfer mechanisms. The deflection unit redirects products in the opposite direction (from horizontal to vertical) using simple geometry rather than complex mechanical systems, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the same packaging function.
2Reliability
If existing tubular bagging machines are used, then product packaging is possible, but processing speed becomes very slow due to cumbersome movement sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential product transfer function from the slow, multi-step existing machine sequence. By removing vertical conveyors, complex horizontal transfer units, and stack holders, the invention creates a streamlined process that moves products directly from horizontal to vertical conveyance through a simple deflection unit, dramatically increasing processing speed while maintaining packaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by eliminating the stop-and-go nature of existing machines with multiple discrete movement steps. The deflection unit enables a continuous flow of products from horizontal to vertical conveyance without interruption, allowing processing speeds of 400-500 products per minute compared to the slow sequential movements of traditional machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing machines are used, then packaged products can be handled, but unpackaged products cannot be processed without damaging their edge areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a deflection unit that can handle both packaged and unpackaged products without damage. Unlike existing machines with stack holders that only work with specially packaged products having flexible edges, the deflection unit gently redirects any product type, making the machine versatile for different product formats while preventing edge area damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing machines are used, then product stacking is possible, but only with flat sides lying one on top of the other, not with narrow sides or peripheral walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a deflection unit that accommodates multiple product orientations and stacking configurations. Instead of being limited to stacking products with flat sides only, the deflection unit can handle products stacked with narrow sides or peripheral walls, providing ease of operation for various product formats and improving adaptability.
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 reliable and efficient packaging of lumpy products by minimizing product drop height, allowing for faster processing rates of up to 400-500 products per minute and accommodating various product orientations, thus overcoming the limitations of existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal sealing device assigned to the at least one pull-off device for sealing the longitudinal seam of the tubular bag
Implementation Method 2
a transverse sealing unit for sealing a transverse seam of the tubular bag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a transfer unit to feed the products (3) from horizontal feeding direction to a vertical filling direction. A product conveyor (27) separates the product units formed from products. The product conveyor has endless belts with portioning finger for receiving respective product unit of several products.