Vacuum Lifting Device for Sterile Packaging Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag opening devices require complex mechanisms or air inflation, which can contaminate sterile contents and are inefficient, lacking a simple and cost-effective solution for ergonomic operation.
Innovation Solution
A device using a lift member with a vacuum source and a single drive element to lift packaging, where the lifting element's weight assists in placing a suction element on the packaging, allowing for easy opening and automatic cycle initiation without additional components or steps, and optionally employing relative movement of suction elements to facilitate bag opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical spreading fingers are used to open the bag, then the bag can be opened, but several drive elements or complex mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spreading fingers with a vacuum-based suction system. The suction element creates negative pressure to hold and manipulate the bag opening, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical drive elements and complex mechanisms while maintaining effective bag opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a vacuum source connected to a suction element to create negative pressure for grasping and manipulating the bag. This pneumatic approach simplifies the mechanism compared to mechanical fingers, requiring only a single drive element to position the suction element.
2Ease of operation
If the closed bag is inflated with air flow to open it, then the bag can be opened, but the sterile inside of the bag can become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the air inflation method with a vacuum suction system. The suction element creates negative pressure to hold and manipulate the bag opening without introducing external air into the bag interior, thereby maintaining sterility and preventing contamination of the bag contents.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using positive pressure air flow that risks contamination, the invention uses negative pressure vacuum suction to achieve the same bag opening effect while protecting against contamination. The harmful aspect of air introduction is converted into a beneficial vacuum-based approach that maintains bag integrity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to lift and position the bag, then the bag can be positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bag positioning and holding functions into a single integrated system. The suction element serves both to grasp the bag for positioning and to hold it in the desired position, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction element performs multiple functions: it grasps the bag, positions it, and holds it open. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining full positioning capability.
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 solution simplifies the design, reduces contamination risks, and enables efficient, ergonomic operation with minimal components, allowing for easy bag opening and automatic cycle progression.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source (2) configured to create a negative pressure; a suction element (4) having at least one opening of a vacuum line
Implementation Method 2
the lifting element (1) is configured to use its weight in the lower removal position to place the suction element (4) on the uppermost packaging (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for automatically lifting a packaging element (6), comprising: - a lifting element (1) that is movable between a lower removal position and an upper transfer position; - a vacuum source (2) configured to generate a negative pressure; - a drive element (3); - a suction element (4) that has at least one opening (10) of a vacuum line (5) and is mechanically connected to the lifting element (1) and fluidically connected to the vacuum source (2) by means of the vacuum line (5).The invention is characterized in that the lifting element (1) is configured to place the suction element (4) onto the uppermost packaging element (6) of a stack of packaging elements (7) by means of its weight force in the lower removal position, wherein the opening (10) of the vacuum line (5) can be sealed airtight, and wherein the lifting element (1) is configured to move into the upper transfer position together with the suctioned packaging element (6).