Format Dispenser and Heat Sealer for Custom Bag Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack a single, multifunctional solution for dispensing and heat-sealing customized formats and bags of different sizes in the food sector, leading to inefficiencies in material usage and storage, as well as unnecessary waste and the need for multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A compact, versatile machine that integrates a feeding subsystem, circulation subsystem, transverse heat-sealing and cutting subsystem, lateral heat-sealing subsystem, and control and actuation subsystem to alternately dispense, generate, and heat-seal formats and bags of various sizes, using rollers and heat-sealing elements to manage material tension and sealing without physically touching the product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple independent devices are used for dispensing, bag generation, and heat sealing, then each function can be performed reliably, but the number of devices increases and storage space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three independent functions (format dispensing, bag generation, and heat sealing) into a single integrated machine. The feeding subsystem, circulation subsystem, heat-sealing subsystem, and control subsystem work together in one device, eliminating the need for separate dispensers, bag makers, and heat sealers while maintaining functional reliability through coordinated operation of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: it can dispense formats of different sizes, generate bags from the dispensed material, and heat seal both formats and bags. The heat-sealing subsystem can selectively seal transverse or lateral edges based on the desired output, making the device adaptable to different production needs within a single unit.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-cut material is supplied, then the supply process is simple, but the material does not adapt correctly to product size causing waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply simplicityVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding subsystem is designed to dynamically adjust the dispensing of material based on the selected product size. The control subsystem receives user input for desired format dimensions and automatically controls the circulation subsystem to dispense the exact amount of material needed, preventing both shortage and excess that would lead to waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machine allows parameter changes in material dispensing by enabling users to select different format sizes through the control subsystem. This adjusts the length and width parameters of the dispensed material to match the specific product requirements, eliminating the material waste associated with fixed pre-cut sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If a single consumable is used for all operations, then storage space is optimized, but the machine must handle multiple functions with one system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidfunctional versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The machine internally segments its functionality into distinct subsystems (feeding, circulation, heat-sealing, control) that work together. Each subsystem is designed to handle specific tasks, but they are integrated into a unified system that processes a single consumable through multiple transformation stages, achieving both space efficiency and functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine adds dimensional versatility by transforming the single consumable material through multiple dimensions: dispensing in different lengths (transverse dimension), creating different widths (lateral dimension), and forming three-dimensional bags. This multi-dimensional processing capability allows one system to handle diverse product requirements while maintaining a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the number of devices needed, optimizes material usage, minimizes waste, and allows for flexible arrangement, enabling customization and efficient production of formats and bags in a single unit, while preventing unnecessary wear on cutting and heat-sealing elements.

Implementation Method 1

transverse heat-sealing and cutting subsystem... final heat-sealing thereof... heat-sealable materials... material to be welded by applying heat thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4385718A1Format dispenser, bag generator and heat sealer
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 ESTUDI GRAF
  • EP4385718A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385718A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385718A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

- A format dispenser, bag generator and heat sealer that makes it possible to dispense both formats and bags and, in both cases, in different customized sizes comprising: - A feeding subsystem (1) having an area for arranging spools (2). - A circulation subsystem (4) formed by rollers (5) that drag the material. - A transverse heat-sealing and cutting subsystem (6) that transversely cuts and heat-seals the material. - A lateral heat-sealing subsystem (7) when wanting to obtain a bag. - An external transverse output and heat-sealing subsystem (8). - A control and actuation subsystem (9). It makes it possible to alternately dispense formats and bags, allowing the user to select the desired format without unnecessary waste, and also has a final element that makes it possible to finish sealing the bags once they have been filled.