Adhesive Splicing Unit for Packaging Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splicing methods for packaging films in horizontal packaging machines are either costly and complex due to automated solutions or prone to errors and inefficiencies when manually performed, leading to production interruptions and waste.

Innovation Solution

A splicing method using an adhesive element with opposing adhesive surfaces, where one surface is adhered to a machine element and then brought into contact with the films, eliminating the need for direct manual adhesion and reducing the risk of errors, with an adhering element facilitating easier access and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated splicing machines are used to splice two packaging films, then splicing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing reliabilityVSAvoidmachine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adhesive element as an intermediary between the two packaging films to achieve splicing. Instead of using complex automated welding or mechanical joining devices, the invention uses a simple adhesive element that can be manually applied to join the films together, thereby maintaining high splicing reliability while avoiding excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive element is designed as a simple, inexpensive, and potentially disposable component. Rather than investing in expensive automated splicing machinery, the invention uses a low-cost adhesive element that can be easily replaced or reapplied, reducing both initial investment and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable film splicing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If manual adhesion of adhesive element to film is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to user errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing device complexityVSAvoidadhesion precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhering element serves as an intermediary tool between the user and the adhesive element. Instead of requiring users to directly handle and apply adhesive to the film (which leads to positioning errors), the adhering element provides a controlled interface that guides the adhesive application process, ensuring precise and consistent adhesion while keeping the overall device simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhering element is designed to facilitate self-aligned adhesion. The element's structure and movement mechanism enable it to automatically position itself correctly on the film during the splicing process, reducing the skill level required from operators while maintaining high adhesion precision through the element's own guiding features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If user manually adheres adhesive element covering entire film width, then splicing reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to difficult accessibility and time-consuming operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing reliabilityVSAvoidpackaging productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The splicing operation is segmented into distinct functional components: the adhesive element for joining the films, and the adhering element for applying the adhesive. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the adhering element can be designed for easy access and quick operation, while the adhesive element ensures reliable joining, thereby maintaining splicing reliability while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhering element acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between user accessibility constraints and the requirement for complete film coverage. By using this intermediary tool with guided movement, the system achieves full-width adhesive application without requiring the user to manually access the entire film width, thus maintaining reliable splicing while significantly reducing operation time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method reduces the risk of incorrect adhesion and production interruptions, making the splicing process more efficient and cost-effective by allowing continuous operation without manual errors, thus enhancing the overall packaging process.

Implementation Method 1

Splicing is performed by means of an adhesive element (4) comprising a first adhesive surface which is adhered to the second film (21) and a second adhesive surface opposite the first adhesive surface and which is adhered to the first film (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3263468B1Splicing method and unit for splicing two packaging films for a horizontal packaging machine
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 ULMA PACKAGING TECHCAL CENT S COOP
  • EP3263468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3263468B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3263468B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Splicing method and unit (3) for a packaging machine, whereby a first film (11) is spliced to a second film (21) which is a spare film. The splicing is performed by means of an adhesive element (4) with two opposing adhesive surfaces, one for each film (11, 21), and a longitudinal adhering element (306). First an adhesive surface is adhered to the adhering element (306) and said adhering element (306) moves so that the other adhesive surface comes into contact with the second film (21) and adheres to it. Then the adhering element (306) is separated from said second film (21), the adhesive element (4) being adhered to said second film (21), and the first film (11) is caused to come into contact with said adhesive element (4) already adhered to the second film (21).