Arbitrary Path Heat Sealing Head for Complex Geometries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat sealing technologies are limited to sealing along straight lines or simple geometries, requiring multiple machines and significant downtime for setup, and are prone to errors due to precise alignment requirements for complex geometries.

Innovation Solution

A sealing system comprising a positioning device that can move in at least two dimensions, a sealing head with an energy system for heat sealing, and a controller that programs the positioning device to move along arbitrary two- or three-dimensional paths, enabling customizable and precise sealing of complex geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing heat sealing technologies are used for complex geometries, then sealing capability is limited to straight lines or simple geometries, but device complexity increases requiring multiple machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing geometry capabilityVSAvoidnumber of machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing head is designed with a movable positioning device that can be programmed to follow arbitrary two- or three-dimensional paths, allowing a single device to perform sealing operations on complex geometries that previously required multiple specialized machines. The positioning device can be reprogrammed for different sealing paths, making the device universally applicable to various sealing geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing head incorporates a positioning device capable of movement in at least two dimensions, transforming the static sealing process into a dynamic one. This allows the sealing head to adapt its position and orientation during the sealing operation, enabling it to handle complex geometries without requiring multiple fixed machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If existing heat sealing technologies are used for complex geometries, then setup time is reduced, but downtime for setup increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing operation efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime for setup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes a controller programmed with predetermined sequences of positions for the positioning device. These sequences are prepared in advance, allowing the sealing head to automatically follow the correct path without requiring manual setup or alignment adjustments during operation, thereby eliminating downtime between different sealing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual alignment and setup procedures with an automated positioning device controlled by programmed sequences. This substitution of mechanical setup operations with automated control eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and alignment procedures between different sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If existing heat sealing technologies are used for complex geometries, then alignment precision is difficult to achieve, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to alignment errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing path precisionVSAvoidalignment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the sealing head and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically correct any deviations from the predetermined sealing path, ensuring high manufacturing precision without requiring manual alignment adjustments by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual alignment procedures with an automated positioning device that follows programmed sequences. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually align the sealing head with complex geometries, reducing the risk of alignment errors and improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system allows for efficient sealing of articles with complex geometries in a single operation, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for multiple machines, while ensuring precise and customizable sealing paths.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing head attached to the positioning device, the sealing head including a heating element and a tip element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Heat sealing uses heat and pressure to join together multiple layers or parts, at least one of which includes a thermoplastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12208584B2System for sealing an article

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

In some implementations, a device for heat sealing may include a positioning device configured to move in at least two dimensions, and a sealing head attached to the positioning device. The sealing head may include an energy system configured to generate energy for heat sealing an article along a path of an arbitrary shape.