Variable Opening Filling Cone for Flexible Bag Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging machines are inflexible and require disassembly to adapt to different bag formats, cannot handle all types of bags, especially non-self-supporting ones, and often leave air inside packages, leading to imperfect sealing and fragrance loss.

Innovation Solution

A packaging machine with variable opening filling cones and adjustable grippers and sealing stations that can handle bags of varying sizes and materials, including those with accordion portions, and includes air removal mechanisms to ensure 100% sealing without perforation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional packaging machines use fixed discharge outlets designed for specific bag sizes, then they can reliably fill bags of that format, but they cannot adapt to other bag formats without disassembly and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different bag formatsVSAvoiddisassembly and reconfiguration operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge outlet is designed with movable walls that can dynamically adjust their position and configuration. The outlet comprises first and second walls that can move relative to each other, allowing the outlet to adapt its geometry to match different bag formats without requiring disassembly of the entire machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge outlet is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple bag formats through its adjustable walls. A single outlet structure serves multiple functions by changing its configuration, eliminating the need for multiple fixed outlets or complete disassembly for format changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional packaging machines leave bags standing isolated along the advancement line, then they can process certain bag types, but they cannot handle all kinds of bags especially non-self-supporting ones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle all bag typesVSAvoidprocessing reliability for non-self-supporting bags

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces intermediary retention means that actively hold and position bags during the filling process. These retention means act as intermediaries between the bag and the filling mechanism, ensuring stable handling of non-self-supporting bags by providing continuous support and positioning throughout the advancement and filling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional packaging machines deform lateral accordion portions to fill bags, then they can fill certain bag types, but the deformation must be restored along the advancement line and cannot handle all bag materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling capability for various bag typesVSAvoiddeformation and restoration operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge outlet uses dynamically adjustable walls that can adapt their position based on the bag type being filled. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for fixed deformation patterns, allowing the outlet to naturally accommodate different bag geometries without requiring subsequent restoration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional packaging machines allow air to remain inside packages, then the packaging process is simpler, but the packages must be perforated which compromises sealing and causes fragrance loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process simplicityVSAvoidsealing integrity and fragrance preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical air removal systems with a sealing-based approach. By using adjustable discharge outlet walls that create tight seals around the bag opening during filling, the system prevents air ingress and maintains sealing integrity without requiring separate air removal mechanisms or perforations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2925622B2Packaging machine with increased functionality, particularly for small preformed bags

Publication Date: 2021.08.25 UMBRA PACKAGING

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AI summary

A packaging machine (1) with increased functionality, particularly for small preformed bags, comprising a plurality of processing stations which are arranged along at least one advancement line (2) and which are provided with retention means (3) and opening means (4) for at least one bag (5) to be filled which are connected functionally to means for the advancement of the bag (5) to be filled along the advancement line (2). The processing stations comprise at least one filling station that is provided with at least one filling cone (6) adapted to discharge loose products (7) into the bag (5) to be filled, which is opened and shaped beforehand. The particularity of the invention consists in the fact that the filling cone (6) is of the type with variable opening, so that it can move between an active configuration of minimum opening, in which the filling cone (6) assumes a substantially pyramid-like shape with an acute angle, and an active configuration of maximum opening, in which the filling cone (6) assumes a shape substantially like a parallelepiped with a rectangular cross- section. There are also means for lifting and lowering either or both of the bag to be filled and the filling cone (6) for the partial insertion of the filling cone (6) into the bag (5) to be filled.