Annular Seal Design for Packaging Machine Sealing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing tools in packaging machines face challenges in achieving sufficient sealing pressure with low compressed air supply, leading to frequent maintenance and potential standstill of the machine due to high stress on seals or membranes.
Innovation Solution
A planar, annular seal configured between the sealing tool outer and inner parts, fixed at specific holding regions, preferably made of silicone, which distributes forces uniformly and is designed to adapt to the movement of the sealing tool inner part, reducing stress and extending maintenance intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a membrane seal spanning the complete sealing tool inner part is used to achieve sufficient sealing pressure with low compressed air supply, then sealing pressure is improved, but the membrane is highly stressed and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tool is divided into outer and inner parts with a seal positioned between them at the periphery. This segmentation allows the seal to be located where it can effectively transmit pressure without spanning the entire sealing surface, reducing stress while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal acts as an intermediary element between the compressed air supply and the sealing tool inner part. The seal transmits the pressure force from the compressed air to the sealing surface, enabling sufficient sealing pressure with low compressed air supply while protecting the seal from excessive stress through proper positioning and design.
2Force
If the complete surface of the sealing plate is subjected to pressure to achieve sufficient sealing forces with low compressed air supply, then sealing force is improved, but the required seal area increases leading to more material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is positioned at the periphery of the sealing tool inner part rather than spanning the complete surface. This local positioning concentrates the sealing action at the critical sealing edge where it is most needed, achieving sufficient sealing force with minimal seal material while avoiding the need for large-area seals.
3Force
If a membrane is used to transmit pressure to the sealing plate, then sealing pressure is achieved with low compressed air supply, but the membrane requires frequent replacement causing machine standstill
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with appropriate material properties and dimensions to withstand the expected pressure loads and operational conditions. By selecting suitable materials and designing the seal with adequate stress distribution, the service life is extended and frequent replacements are avoided, maintaining machine productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design incorporates specific geometric parameters (width, thickness, material composition) that optimize its performance under the given operating conditions. These parameter choices ensure the seal can transmit pressure effectively while resisting wear and degradation, reducing maintenance frequency and machine standstill time.
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 enables sufficient sealing pressure with minimal maintenance, reduces material usage, and prevents excessive stress on seals, ensuring prolonged service life and efficient operation even with low pressure differences.
Implementation Method 1
the forces acting on the seal are distributed particularly uniformly
Implementation Method 2
it can be particularly well adapted to the movement of the sealing tool inner part
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing tool for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool outer part, a sealing tool inner part that is movable in the sealing tool outer part, and a seal provided between the sealing tool outer part and the sealing tool inner part. The has a planar and annular design and is fixed in a first holding region at the sealing tool outer part as well as in a second holding region at the sealing tool inner part. The second holding region is disposed at or in the proximity of an outer edge of the sealing tool inner part.