Folded Laminate Edge Sealing for Food Container Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food storage containers, such as cans and glass jars, face issues with space efficiency, weight, energy consumption, and safety concerns, while laminated containers have limitations in preventing moisture penetration at seams and require additional materials for sealing, leading to potential leaks and flavor contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and further fixing element with a recess is used to join composite layers of a planar composite, enhancing the leakproofness and stability of the seam by adjusting layer thicknesses and using ultrasonic vibrations for sealing, minimizing additional materials and improving tool longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laminate edge region is folded back to protect against moisture penetration, then moisture protection is improved, but the seam structure becomes more complex and thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate edge region is segmented into a folded-back portion and a main body, creating distinct functional zones. The folded-back edge region is separated from the main laminate body, allowing independent optimization of moisture protection while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded-back edge region is nested within the container structure, with the folded portion containing the raw edge within the folded-back structure. This nesting provides moisture protection without significantly increasing external dimensions.
2Reliability
If additional fixing elements and recesses are added to join composite layers, then joining reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folded-back edge region structure itself provides the joining function, with the folded portion naturally creating friction and mechanical interlocking with the main laminate body. The structure serves its own joining purpose without requiring additional complex fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the second laminate portion is positioned to create equipotential joining conditions, allowing the folded-back edge region to be securely attached at the same structural level as the main laminate body, ensuring uniform stress distribution and reliable joining.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used at container seams, then sealing is achieved, but additional materials are required which may contaminate food flavor
Solution Approach 1:
The folded-back edge region structure itself provides the sealing function through friction and mechanical interlocking, without requiring additional sealing materials. The folded laminate structure creates a self-sealing effect that prevents moisture and flavor contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional sealing materials are extracted from the system entirely. The invention relies solely on the folded-back laminate structure for sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing compounds, adhesives, or other materials that could potentially contaminate food flavor.
4Reliability
If the laminate is skived and folded back to protect the seam, then moisture penetration is prevented, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate edge region is skived and folded back in advance, before the container is fully assembled and sealed. This preliminary preparation of the edge region simplifies subsequent joining operations and ensures moisture protection is built into the structure from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminate thickness parameter is changed in the edge region through skiving, creating a thinner folded-back portion that is easier to manipulate and fold. This parameter change facilitates the folding operation while maintaining the protective function.
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 solution significantly improves the leakproofness and gas-tightness of the container seams, reduces the risk of flavor contamination, and extends the service life of sealing tools, while minimizing additional materials and processing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
using ultrasonic vibrations for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a first fixing element, a further fixing element, and a folded planar composite is disclosed. The first fixing element comprises a first fixing surface and the further fixing element comprises a further fixing surface. The folded planar composite is at least partially fixed between the first fixing surface and the further fixing surface. The folded planar composite comprises a first composite region and a further composite region.