Container Closure Welding and Strip Folding in One Station
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing systems for containers are complex, large, and costly, with challenges in achieving high productivity, optimal adhesion of barrier elements, and effective integration into production plants, particularly due to the need for separate processing steps for barrier elements and anti-tampering strips.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that integrates barrier element welding and anti-tampering strip shaping in a single station using electromagnetic induction welding, allowing compact design and high productivity, with a transport system for seamless processing of closing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processing steps are used for barrier element welding and anti-tampering strip shaping, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the welding station and deformation station into a single integrated processing unit. The welding device and deformation device share the same workstation, allowing barrier element welding and anti-tampering strip shaping to be performed sequentially in one location rather than requiring separate processing stations. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability of each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated workstation serves multiple functions: it performs both welding operations (for attaching barrier elements to caps) and deformation operations (for shaping anti-tampering strips). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate equipment for each operation, reducing device complexity while preserving operational effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple dedicated processing stations are used, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the overall production line size and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the welding and deformation operations into a single integrated station, the patent reduces the number of processing stations that need to be coordinated and integrated into the production line. This makes the system easier to integrate while maintaining manufacturing precision through dedicated welding and deformation devices that operate sequentially at the same location.
3Reliability
If separate stations are used for barrier element and anti-tampering strip processing, then each operation can be performed optimally, but productivity decreases due to increased system size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated workstation allows barrier elements and anti-tampering strips to be processed in close proximity, reducing handling time and system complexity. This integration maintains the reliability of sealing integrity while improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated stations and reducing overall system coordination overhead.
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 achieves compact size, high productivity, optimal adhesion of barrier elements, and efficient integration into existing production lines, ensuring hermetic sealing and tamper evidence without increasing unit costs.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesion of the barrier element to the cap is typically obtained by the action of heat which, by heating the barrier element, allows to activate a layer of adhesive substance disposed upon it
Implementation Method 2
a deformation device configured so that it can be driven between an inactive position, distant from the closing system, and a work position. In the latter, the deformation device presses into contact on a flexible annular portion of the anti-tampering strip in order to fold it back inside the closing system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) and a method are described for producing a closing system (100) for containers comprising an anti-tampering strip (101) configured to be attached to an opening of a container, and a re-closable closing body (102), configured to hermetically close said containers. The apparatus (10) comprises a welding and deformation station (11) in which it is provided to weld a barrier element (108) to the re-closable closing body (102) and to fold a flexible annular portion (109) of the anti-tampering strip (101) back toward the inside of the closing system (100) while the latter is stationary in a same predetermined position in the welding and deformation station (11).