Coanda Bottom Heater for Uniform Container Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sealing a two-piece cup using a heat sealable material are prone to incomplete seals due to inadequate heating, which can cause the material to separate from the container surface, potentially damaging the cup, or result in overheating that leads to material damage.
Innovation Solution
A bottom heater utilizing a design that leverages the Coanda effect to control the flow of heated air, ensuring consistent and controlled heat distribution along the container surfaces by shaping the outlet to direct heated air tangentially onto the peripheral wall, thereby maintaining attachment and uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bottom heater applies more heat to soften the heat sealable material, then the seal formation is improved, but the heat sealable material may separate from the container surface and damage parts of the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a curved surface at the outlet of the bottom heater that specifically directs heated air to a predetermined area of the container bottom. This localized heating ensures that heat is applied precisely where needed for seal formation without excessive heat affecting other areas, thus preventing material separation and damage while achieving reliable seals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bottom heater applies less heat to avoid material damage, then the container surfaces are protected, but the heat sealable material is insufficiently softened leading to incomplete seal formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physical configuration of the heater outlet to a curved surface shape. This geometric parameter change directs the flow of heated air in a specific pattern that concentrates heat on the predetermined area, achieving the optimal temperature parameter for softening the heat sealable material without causing overheating and material damage.
3Device complexity
If the heated air flows directly away from the container surface, then the heating control is simplified, but the heat distribution is inconsistent and leads to incomplete or excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by incorporating a curved surface at the outlet of the bottom heater. This curved geometry redirects the heated air flow in an arc-shaped path that follows the contour of the container bottom, ensuring consistent heat distribution across the predetermined area. The curvature enables the heated air to remain in contact with the container surface longer, achieving uniform heating without complex control systems.
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 solution ensures a consistent and uniform heat distribution, preventing material separation and damage, while achieving a complete seal without overheating, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the container sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
A shape of at least a portion of the peripheral wall defining the outlet is such that heated air exiting the outlet is fluidly attached to an adjacent portion of the peripheral wall after exit because of the Coanda effect
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom heater for use in assembling a container bottom and a sleeve includes a body having a peripheral wall and a heated air passage terminating in an outlet in the peripheral wall. A shape of at least a portion of the peripheral wall defining the outlet is such that heated air exiting the outlet is fluidly attached to an adjacent portion of the peripheral wall after exit because of the Coanda effect.