Film Packaging Machine with Integrated Bubble Wrap Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing film packaging machines are limited in producing bubble wrap in continuous operation and are often complex and bulky, unable to directly utilize air cushion films for packaging goods.

Innovation Solution

A film packaging machine equipped with a conveyor device, cross-cut welding device, and longitudinal cutting welding devices, featuring an air cushion film production system that produces bubble films from two film webs in continuous operation using welding roller devices with heating mechanisms, allowing for direct integration into the packaging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air cushion films are produced in advance using traditional methods, then the films can be used for packaging, but the production process is not continuous and the equipment is complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air cushion film production system directly with the film packaging machine by integrating the welding roller device into the film feeding mechanism. This merging allows the bubble wrap to be produced continuously in-line with the packaging process, eliminating the need for separate production equipment and achieving both continuous operation and simplified device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The welding roller device enables continuous production of air cushion films by continuously welding two film webs together as they pass through the device. The heating element maintains constant temperature to ensure uninterrupted welding, and the roller mechanism continuously feeds and seals the films, achieving non-stop production without manual intervention or batch processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional film packaging machines are used, then packaging can be performed, but they cannot directly utilize air cushion films produced in continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with air cushion filmsVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The film packaging machine is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating the welding roller device that can process air cushion films specifically. The device can handle both traditional films and bubble wrap materials, making the machine versatile for different packaging needs while enabling continuous operation through the integrated film production and packaging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If complex equipment is used to produce bubble wrap, then continuous production is possible, but the machine becomes bulky and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous bubble wrap productionVSAvoidmachine operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the air cushion film production system with the film packaging machine, the patent eliminates the need for separate bulky equipment. The welding roller device is integrated into the existing packaging machine structure, combining multiple functions (film welding, feeding, and packaging) into a single compact unit that is easier to operate and less space-consuming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the production of bubble wrap in a compact, simpler manner, allowing for continuous operation and direct use in packaging items, providing effective padding and protection for goods.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device (44) for heating the inner shaft (40), the outer shaft (42)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a welding roller device (18) which is designed to produce the air cushion film from two film webs (14', 14'') lying on top of one another in continuous operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3715266A1Film packaging machine and method for packaging a packed product
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 BECK PACKAUTOMATEN
  • EP3715266A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715266A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715266A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a film packaging machine (210, 210') for packaging a product (212) with an outer packaging produced from a first film (214) and a second film (216), wherein the film packaging machine (210, 210') comprises a conveying device for conveying the product (212) in a conveying direction (T), a transverse sealing device (222) for sealing the films (214, 216) transversely to the conveying direction (T), a first film feed device (215) for feeding the first film (214) into the transverse sealing device (222), a second film feed device (217) for feeding the second film (216) into the transverse sealing device (222), and a first and a second longitudinal sealing device (224', 224") for sealing the films (214, 216) parallel to the conveying direction (T) at two opposite has longitudinal sides, wherein the first and/or the second film feed device (215,217) each comprises a bubble wrap production system (280, 290) for producing the respective first and/or second film (214, 216) as a bubble wrap film, wherein each bubble wrap production system (280, 290) has a sealing roller device (18) configured to produce the bubble wrap film from two superimposed film webs (282, 286; 292, 296) in continuous operation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method (300) for packaging a packaged item (212) with an outer packaging produced from a first film (214) and a second film (216).