Ejector Plate for Heat Seal Fixture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of heat-sealed containers from support fixtures can damage the seal joint and pose risks due to non-uniform pressure and potential heat transfer, compromising the integrity and cosmetic quality of the sealed containers.
Innovation Solution
A heat sealing system incorporating a heat press, a seal fixture with an upper plate and an ejector plate that moves between retracted and deployed positions, assisted by a lifting assembly and actuator system, to safely lift and remove sealed packages after the seal joint has cooled, ensuring uniform pressure and preventing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of sealed container is performed, then operator can remove the sealed container from support fixture, but the seal joint may be damaged due to non-uniform pressure and potential heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector plate is configured to automatically engage with the sealed container and apply uniform removal force without requiring operator intervention. The plate moves along a guided path through the seal fixture opening, enabling self-performed removal that eliminates human error and ensures consistent application of force throughout the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical removal process is replaced with an automated ejector plate mechanism. The plate is actuated by a lifting assembly that raises the plate and engages it with the sealed container, using controlled mechanical force rather than manual handling to prevent damage to the seal joint.
2Productivity
If manual removal is performed quickly, then productivity is improved, but heat transfer from hot support fixture may cause cosmetic defects
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector plate is designed to engage with the sealed container before the support fixture can transfer significant heat to the container. The plate's guided path and automatic engagement mechanism ensure that removal action is initiated immediately after sealing, preventing heat-induced cosmetic defects while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector plate serves as an intermediary between the hot support fixture and the sealed container. By introducing this intermediate component that makes contact with the container first, the system prevents direct heat transfer from the fixture to the container during the removal process.
3Productivity
If ejector plate moves at high speed, then removal efficiency is improved, but control precision may be compromised when engaged with sealed package
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector plate's motion is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the plate to move at high speed during the approach phase and then transition to controlled engagement when contacting the sealed container. The guided path enables the plate to maintain precision during engagement while still achieving efficient removal through optimized motion control.
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 enables safe and uniform removal of heat-sealed packages without damaging the seal joint, reducing the risk of cosmetic issues and ensuring the integrity of the sealed containers.
Implementation Method 1
pressure and heat are applied to a common joint between the two components. The application of heat and pressure causes the two components to fuse together along the seal joint
Implementation Method 2
pressure and heat are applied to a common joint between the two components. The application of heat and pressure causes the two components to fuse together along the seal joint
Implementation Method 3
The ejector plate is configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position to at least partially raise the at least one sealed package off of the upper seal fixture plate
Implementation Method 4
The lifting assembly is configured to engage the ejector plate to move the ejector plate between the retracted position and the deployed position. The lifting assembly may include a series of lift rods configured to engage a series of receptacles on the ejector plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for heat sealing two or more components together into at least one sealed package is disclosed. The system includes a heat press configured to heat seal the two or more components together into the at least one sealed package, a seal fixture including an upper seal fixture plate configured to support the two or more components, and an ejector plate under the upper seal fixture plate. The ejector plate is configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position to at least partially raise the at least one sealed package off of the upper seal fixture plate.