Adjustable Sealing Member for Skin Packaging Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin packaging machines require frequent changes in sealing members to accommodate products of different sizes, leading to inefficiencies in processing time and film usage, and risk collisions with previously packaged items.
Innovation Solution
A skin packaging machine with a sealing member that defines an inner space with adjustable dimensions, allowing for the packaging of various sizes without replacement, and control means to synchronize movements for optimal film usage and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sealing members are changed frequently to accommodate different product sizes, then packaging versatility is improved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with an adjustable inner space that can accommodate products of different sizes without requiring replacement. The dimensions of the inner space defined by the walls can be modified to suit various product dimensions, making a single sealing member universal for multiple packaging applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member incorporates adjustable dimensions for its inner space, allowing dynamic adaptation to different product sizes. This adjustability enables the sealing member to maintain optimal sealing performance across various product dimensions without requiring frequent changes or replacements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sealing members are changed frequently to accommodate different product sizes, then packaging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sealing member with adjustable inner space dimensions serves multiple packaging needs for different product sizes, eliminating the requirement for multiple specialized sealing members. This universal design simplifies the overall device by reducing the number of replaceable components.
3Ease of operation
If fixed distance advancement is used for intermittent product supply, then positioning is simplified, but film usage increases and collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member's adjustable inner space allows optimal positioning for products of different sizes, enabling precise film application without excessive overlap or waste. The adaptability ensures that the film is used efficiently regardless of product dimensions.
4Ease of operation
If fixed distance advancement is used for intermittent product supply, then positioning is simplified, but collision risk with previously packaged items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable inner space dimensions allow the sealing member to adapt to different product sizes and positions, reducing the risk of collisions with previously packaged items. The control means can synchronize movements based on the adjusted dimensions, ensuring safe operation throughout the packaging cycle.
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
Enables efficient packaging of products of different sizes with reduced processing time and film consumption, while preventing collisions and allowing for continuous or intermittent operation.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing station generally comprises a mould and a lower tool where the mould is supported, and at least the mould performs a vertical movement, so that when the product between the two films is disposed beneath the mould, the mould descends and the product is housed in its interior. In the sealing an upper first vacuum is generally performed through the mould, which causes the deformation of the upper film towards the walls of the mould, which may also be heated to heat the upper film even more and enable the subsequent sealing of the films.
Implementation Method 2
In the sealing an upper first vacuum is generally performed through the mould, which causes the deformation of the upper film towards the walls of the mould. A second vacuum is then generated between the upper and lower film where the product is housed, leaving the product without any air around it.
Implementation Method 3
the pressure of the second vacuum is reduced (both operations may be performed one after the other or simultaneously) with the purpose of said film adapting to the contour of the product and thermosealing to the lower film all along the surface in contact with the lower film, thanks to pressure and heat, the product being closed hermetically between the two films. This process may also be accompanied by a vertical movement of the lower tool, which may also heat the lower film to enable sealing between both films around the contour of the product.
Data Source
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AI summary
Skin packaging machine comprising a sealing member (1) that acts on a product (4) wrapped by a lower film (2) and an upper film (3), and which seals or closes the films (2, 3) to each other around the product (4) in order to vacuum-package said product (4) between both films (2, 3), and control means for causing the sealing member (1) to move in order to package the product (4). The sealing member (1) defines at least one inner space where the product (4) to be vacuum-packaged is disposed wrapped at least partially by the two films (2, 3), and comprises at least one longitudinal first wall, a longitudinal second wall and a transverse wall between which the inner space is defined, and an opening facing the transverse wall.