Filling Box Corner Vacuum for Flexible Package Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in maintaining the optimal shape of flexible packages within filling boxes, leading to suboptimal filling and compacting due to the caving in of package walls, and previous solutions like partial vacuum through side walls result in uncontrolled contact and poor contour shaping.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of partial vacuum devices in corner portions between side walls of the filling box, utilizing Venturi devices and suction devices to generate a vacuum that tightens the package walls into the corners, ensuring optimal shaping and reliable filling and compacting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are freely standing in the filling box, then the filling process is simple, but the package walls cave in and the filling opening becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the filling box and the package. The membrane can be moved between a retracted position (allowing free standing) and an extended position (supporting the package opening). This mediator enables the system to achieve both simplicity and optimal shape without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to be dynamically movable between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different filling stages: retracted during package insertion for simplicity, and extended during filling to maintain optimal opening shape. The dynamic nature resolves the contradiction between static simplicity and dynamic shape control.
2Reliability
If partial vacuum is applied through side wall openings, then the package mouth is kept open, but the flexible walls bear against the side walls uncontrolled and optimal contour shaping cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying vacuum uniformly through side walls, the system uses a localized membrane at the package opening. The membrane can be extended locally to support the opening area while leaving other parts of the package free to conform naturally. This localized intervention maintains mouth openness without causing uncontrolled wall contact and poor contouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves as a mediator between the vacuum system and the package walls. Rather than allowing direct contact between vacuum openings and package walls (which causes uncontrolled bearing), the membrane transmits the vacuum effect selectively to support the opening while maintaining optimal contour elsewhere.
3Device complexity
If the package walls are allowed to cave in, then the filling box structure is simple, but the filling opening becomes suboptimal and plug insertion is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with dynamic movement capability between retracted and extended positions. When retracted, the filling box maintains structural simplicity. When extended, the membrane provides the necessary support for optimal opening quality and plug insertion. This dynamic element allows the system to achieve high manufacturing precision without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is extended in advance before the filling process begins, preparing the package opening for optimal shape and plug insertion. This preliminary action ensures that when filling starts, the opening is already in the correct configuration, preventing caving in during the actual filling operation while maintaining simple box structure.
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 that the package is optimally shaped and compacted, allowing for reliable filling and insertion of a plug close to the package contour, improving the filling process by maintaining a wrinkle-free contact between the package and the filling box.
Implementation Method 1
at least one partial vacuum device (15) is provided, which is disposed at least in sections in at least one corner portion (9) between the at least two side walls
Implementation Method 2
Partial vacuum devices are provided in the corner portions between the side walls, utilizing Venturi devices and suction devices to generate a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system for filling bulk materials into packages, including a filling unit with a filling box, and a filling box for a filling unit of a packaging machine for filling bulk materials into packages, including an upwardly opened takeup space for a package, wherein the takeup space is laterally enclosed by side walls. A partial vacuum device is provided, which is disposed in a corner portion between the side walls. The method for filling packages provides for a package to be guided to the takeup space of such a filling box of a filling unit of a packaging system. The partial vacuum device is then activated for aspirating a flexible wall of a package into the corner portion between the side walls of the takeup space of the filling box.