Collapsible Container Strip Welding for Consistent Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable material dispensing containers face challenges with delayed or incomplete dispensing due to housing material and geometrical configurations, which require refined squeezing actions to direct materials to the opening, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A container manufacturing system that includes internal and outer support members to position and weld a strip along the collapsible housing, using techniques like ultrasonic sealing, hot jaw sealing, high-frequency sealing, or hot air sealing to create a permanent bond between the strip and the housing, ensuring consistent material dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing is made deformable to enable material dispensing through squeezing, then material dispensing function is improved, but the housing returns to original configuration delaying or interfering with subsequent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments or zones with different structural properties. The dispensing zone remains deformable for material ejection, while the support zones maintain rigidity to prevent overall housing rebound, enabling continuous dispensing without time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing have different mechanical properties - the dispensing end is made flexible and deformable while the body and base portions maintain structural rigidity. This localized quality differentiation allows squeezing action to be applied without causing unwanted rebound that would interfere with subsequent dispensing.
2Productivity
If the housing geometry is optimized for material flow, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but material is displaced in directions away from the opening requiring refined squeezing actions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing geometry employs asymmetric design with tapered walls and non-uniform cross-sections that naturally guide material flow toward the dispensing opening. This asymmetric configuration creates preferential flow paths that direct material outward rather than allowing radial displacement, eliminating the need for complex refined squeezing actions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the housing is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but material dispensing through deformation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into rigid support portions and flexible dispensing portions. The rigid segments maintain overall shape stability and structural integrity, while the flexible segments enable the necessary deformation for material dispensing when squeezed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties with rigid regions providing structural stability and flexible regions enabling deformation. This local quality differentiation allows the housing to maintain its shape while still permitting material dispensing through controlled deformation at specific locations.
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 enhances the control and efficiency of material dispensing by maintaining the housing in an un-collapsed state during welding, allowing for precise and controlled extrusion of contents without the need for complex squeezing actions.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic sealing techniques may be used to weld the strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element may be positioned in the outer support member. In such embodiments, the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface using high-frequency vibrations.
Implementation Method 2
hot jaw sealing techniques may be used to weld the strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element may include heating elements positioned in the outer support member and heating elements positioned in the internal support member. In such embodiments, the welding elements are configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using the heating element or elements to partially melt the strip and the wall of the housing.
Implementation Method 3
high-frequency sealing techniques may be used to weld the strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element may include electricity-providing elements positioned in the outer support member and/or in internal support elements. In such embodiments, the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using a high-frequency alternating current provided by the welding element to provide current to a conductive (e.g., a metal foil) layer inside a strip and/or inside a wall of the housing to melt surrounding material of the strip or the housing.
Implementation Method 4
hot air sealing techniques may be used to weld the strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element may be located in the outer support member and an air pathway for high-temperature air can be used to deliver the hot air. In such embodiments, the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using the high-temperature air circulating in or otherwise delivered by the air pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein for a method of attaching a strip to a housing. An internal support member is inserted into a collapsible housing, such that it is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an inner surface of the collapsible housing. An outer support member is arranged along an outer surface the collapsible housing opposite the internal support member. A strip is positioned along the outer surface using the outer support member and the internal support member. Then the strip is permanently welded to the outer surface using a welding element. Welding is performed by a welding element located in one (or both) of the internal support member or the outer support member.