Continuous VFFS Machine Reclosable Fastener Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing form, fill, and seal machines often operate intermittently, which disrupts the continuous production of reclosable packages and can lead to issues like dynamic loading and skipping of film, especially when applying reclosable fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A continuous vertical form, fill, and seal machine equipped with a reclosable fastener handling assembly that includes a flattening device, feed device, and feedback sensor to maintain consistent tension and speed, along with a vertical seal assembly and tear notch applicator, allowing for continuous sealing and bag formation without moving the knife or film separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the machine operates intermittently to apply reclosable fasteners, then the fasteners can be applied to bags, but the continuous production is disrupted and dynamic loading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by maintaining the film separator and knife in a fixed position while the bag moves through the sealing and cutting zones. This eliminates the need to move the knife or film separator during operation, ensuring continuous bag formation without interruptions for fastener application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of the reclosable fastener application mechanism while maintaining fixed positions for the film separator and knife. The fastener application system can move independently to apply fasteners at the correct location without disrupting the continuous film movement or sealing operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the knife or film separator is moved to apply reclosable fasteners, then fasteners can be applied to bags, but dynamic loading and skipping of film occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the fastener application function from the film sealing and cutting functions. The reclosable fastener mechanism is independently positioned and operated, allowing it to apply fasteners without moving the film separator or knife that are critical for maintaining continuous film movement and sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that applies reclosable fasteners to the bag without directly interfering with the film movement system. The fastener application system acts as a separate intermediary process that can be applied at the correct location without causing dynamic loading or film skipping.
3Reliability
If the machine runs continuously without moving the knife or film separator, then dynamic loading is eliminated, but the complexity of coordinating fastener application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the reclosable fastener mechanism and application points in advance during the bag formation process. The fastener application is pre-coordinated with the bag's position and movement, allowing fasteners to be applied at the correct location without requiring complex real-time coordination or movement of the film separator and knife.
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 enables a higher output of bags with reduced film speed, eliminating dynamic loading and disruptions, and allows for continuous bag formation with improved efficiency and consistency in applying reclosable fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical seal assembly disposed adjacent the forming tube, wherein the vertical seal assembly is configured to continuously seal the film tube
Implementation Method 2
The flattening device is reciprocally moveable in a machine direction, wherein the flattening device is configured to move with a reclosable fastener material and successively flatten the reclosable fastener material at spaced apart locations
Implementation Method 3
The sealing jaws are movable toward and away from each other in a transverse direction and are configured to form a transverse seal on the film tube and fastener material
Implementation Method 4
The sealing jaws are movable toward and away from each other in a transverse direction and are configured to form a transverse seal on the film tube and fastener material
Data Source
AI summary
A form, fill and seal machine for making a reclosable package with a reclosable fastener includes a reclosable fastener handling assembly, a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly and a sealing jaw assembly. The handling assembly includes a flattening device, a reclosable fastener feed device and a slack sensor. A form, fill and seal machine alternatively includes a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly disposed adjacent the forming tube, wherein the vertical seal assembly is configured to continuously seal the film tube, and a tear notch applicator positioned downstream of the vertical seal assembly and configured to apply a slit to the continuously moving film tube. The tear notch applicator is positionally fixed in the machine direction. Methods for continuously forming a reclosable package are also provided.