Composite Can Forming With T-Shaped Longitudinal Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming composite and paperboard cans face challenges in efficiently and effectively creating a tubular shape around a mandrel and forming suitable longitudinal seals, with machinery being complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming a cylindrical container from a re-configurable blank involves positioning the blank on a support device, rotating it to form a tubular side wall configuration, and using a sealing strip with a T-shape to create a vertical sealed joint, along with a seaming apparatus to form a circumferential seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional form-and-seal processes with multiple reels and complex machinery are used to form composite cans, then the cans can achieve required gas and liquid impermeability, but the machinery becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the complex continuous form-and-seal machinery and implements it through a simpler discrete process using pre-formed blanks with integrated sealing structures. The blank itself carries the sealing capability through its design rather than requiring separate complex sealing machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the can formation process into discrete steps (blank preparation, forming, sealing) rather than using a continuous process. This allows each step to be performed by simpler, more cost-effective equipment while maintaining the required sealing performance.
2Productivity
If traditional continuous form-and-seal processes are used to form tubular sidewalls, then the process can handle production requirements, but the equipment cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces and structures are prepared in advance during blank fabrication rather than during the forming process. This preliminary preparation allows the actual forming and sealing operations to be performed by simpler equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If complex multi-layer laminating and sealing systems are used to create impermeable inner cavities, then gas and liquid barriers are achieved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses asymmetric positioning of the sealing strip relative to the blank layers, with the sealing strip extending beyond the edges of at least one blank layer. This asymmetric design creates an overlapping seal structure that achieves superior barrier properties while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to symmetric multi-layer laminating.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by bonding multiple blank layers together with adhesive in overlapping regions. This composite construction provides the required gas and liquid impermeability through the layered structure and adhesive bonds, offering an alternative to traditional metal foil or plastic film liners.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming containers. The containers may be cans, including composite cans. The apparatus may include a cylindrical mandrel and a blank may be formed into a cylindrical tube around the mandrel. Rotational apparatuses may engage portions of a blank that may be in a flat configuration and may rotate the portions around the outward cylindrical surface of the mandrel. Free edges of the tubular blank may be sealed by a sealing strip that may be T-shaped in cross section. A cup may be installed in an end opening, such as a bottom end, of the cylindrical tube. The cup may be sealed in the end opening by a seaming process using a seaming apparatus.