Multi-Roll Web Printer Dispensing Serrated Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems face challenges in efficiently dispensing and printing webs from multiple rolls of serrated bags, particularly in accommodating varying product sizes and integrating printing and bag handling processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising web printers, nip rollers, web sensors, accumulator guide plates, and a bag handling mechanism that selectively advances and prints webs from multiple rolls of serrated bags, allowing for precise sensing and accumulation of bag serrations to ensure efficient dispensing and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rolls of serrated bags are used to accommodate varying product sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for selective dispensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the bag supply into multiple independent rolls, each containing bags of specific dimensions suitable for different product sizes. The segmentation allows selective dispensing of appropriate bag sizes while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular roll design
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic selection mechanisms that can switch between different rolls based on product size requirements. The system dynamically adjusts which roll is active and how bags are dispensed, enabling adaptability without permanent complex hardware for each configuration
2Productivity
If printing and bag handling processes are integrated, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The printing mechanism and bag handling system are merged into a single integrated apparatus where printing occurs during the bag advancement and handling process. This consolidation enables simultaneous operations, improving productivity while using coordinated sensing to maintain precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates web sensors and seal sensing devices that provide real-time feedback on bag position, serration alignment, and web tension. This feedback enables the integrated system to automatically adjust printing and handling operations to maintain measurement precision despite the combined processes
3Ease of operation
If web accumulation area is provided between accumulator guide plates, then ease of operation is improved for web selection, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The web accumulation area allows bags to be pre-accumulated and positioned between accumulator guide plates before the dispensing operation. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the actual dispensing action by having the web ready in the correct position, while the area itself remains relatively simple in structure
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls. (6) of serrated bags (A, B), includes first (12) and second (14) web printer/web feeders, each adapted to advance and print first and second webs from a first and second roll of serrated bags (A, B) respectively, the first and second web printer/web feeders (12, 14) including a first (13) and second (15) printer, and a first (26) and second (30) set of nip rollers respectively; first (36) and second (38) accumulator guide plates located downstream of the first (13) and second (15) printers; a set of dispensing nip rollers (18) located downstream of the first and second accumulator guide plates (36, 38), a web accumulation area; a web sensor (34) for sensing an end of the first or second web; a first (70) and second (72) seal sensing device; a dispensing guide plate (44) located downstream of the web sensor (34); and a bag handling mechanism (20) for advancing a leading bag to a bag loader.