Vacuum-Drum Bag Packaging for Efficient Product Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for blocks, such as cheese, are inefficient in securing and opening bags for product insertion, leading to operational challenges and potential product damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotatable drum with vacuum suction cups and a spreader assembly to securely hold and open bags, allowing for efficient packaging of products like cheese blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing packaging systems are used to secure and open bags, then the packaging process can be completed, but operational challenges occur and product damage may happen due to inefficient securing and opening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vacuum suction cups mounted on a rotatable drum to securely hold bags during the packaging process. The pneumatic system provides reliable and gentle securing of bags, preventing operational challenges and product damage associated with traditional mechanical clamping methods. The vacuum-based gripping system allows for precise control and minimal stress on the packaged product.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable drum with vacuum suction cups provides dynamic bag securing capability, allowing the system to adapt to different bag sizes and positions. The drum can rotate to different positions to secure, open, and manipulate bags throughout the packaging process, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency while maintaining product integrity.
2Productivity
If traditional bag opening methods are used, then bags can be opened for product insertion, but the process is inefficient and may cause product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction cups provide controlled and gentle manipulation of bags during the opening process. By using pneumatic suction rather than mechanical force, the system achieves efficient bag opening while minimizing the risk of product damage, allowing high-speed packaging operations to proceed safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction cups act as an intermediary between the drum mechanism and the bag, providing a gentle yet effective means of securing and manipulating the bag during opening. This intermediary approach prevents direct mechanical contact that could damage the product while maintaining efficient operation.
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
The system effectively secures and opens bags for product insertion, enhancing packaging efficiency and reducing product damage during the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable drum with vacuum suction cups and a spreader assembly to securely hold and open bags
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to a system for packaging a product, the system comprising: a) a holder for retaining a plurality bags; b) a rotatable drum, the rotatable drum including a first plurality of vacuum suction cups positioned on a first portion of the drum and a second plurality of vacuum suction cups on a second portion of the drum; c) a third plurality of suction cups positioned above the drum capable of extending down to secure the bag and retract; and d) a spreader assembly configured to hold the bag open. Methods are also disclosed.