Forming Anvil Device for Packaging End Closure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming paperboard-based containers struggle with satisfactory sealing of end closures, particularly when changing carton designs, as they require pre-formed lines of weakness that can lead to inadequate bending and creasing issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a forming anvil device with orthogonal and obliquely inwardly arranged portions to support corner regions and create bends around boundaries without pre-formed weaknesses, allowing for various carton designs without machine modifications, along with a pressing device that rotates to facilitate accurate folding of gable end walls and a container blank with strategically placed lines of weakness for easy folding and integrity maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If pre-formed lines of weakness are used to define end closure sub-panels, then the container can be formed with defined folding boundaries, but the sealing of end closures becomes unsatisfactory and bending about boundaries is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the container body and positioning the end closure panels before the final sealing operation. The forming anvil device is inserted into the end closure region beforehand to prepare the laminate material for subsequent sealing, ensuring proper folding and alignment before the sealing heat and pressure are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming anvil device acts as an intermediary between the sealing mechanism and the container end closure. It provides internal support to the laminate material during sealing, enabling the material to bend properly about the boundary zones without relying on pre-formed lines of weakness, thus improving seal quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging machine is modified to accommodate different carton designs, then various end closure configurations can be produced, but the device complexity and changeover time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forming anvil device is designed with universal applicability to work with various carton designs and end closure configurations. Its orthogonal and oblique portions can accommodate different boundary zone geometries without requiring machine modifications, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions across different product designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the forming anvil device geometry, specifically the orthogonal portions for corner support and oblique portions for boundary alignment, to adapt to different carton designs. By adjusting the positioning and orientation parameters of the anvil portions rather than modifying the machine structure, versatility is achieved without increased complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-formed lines of weakness are used to facilitate folding, then the container can be assembled more easily, but creasing issues and inadequate bending occur at the boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The forming anvil device serves as an intermediary that enables precise bending at boundary zones without pre-formed lines of weakness. It provides the necessary support and guidance for the laminate material to fold accurately along the intended boundary, achieving both ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support at specific boundary zones rather than using general pre-formed lines throughout. The orthogonal and oblique portions of the forming anvil device are positioned to provide localized support exactly where boundary bending is needed, ensuring precise folding at critical locations without affecting other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus including a forming anvil device for insertion into an end closure region of a partially formed container, the anvil device comprising a front edge region, a rear edge region, respective lateral edge regions extending between the front and rear edge regions and first and second forming portions each having a corner-forming zone including at the respective rear edge region and a lateral edge region arranged substantially orthogonal to each other, each lateral edge region, extending away from the corner-forming zone and towards the front edge region, also including an obliquely inwardly arranged portion. Also disclosed are apparatus for forming a bend in a packaging laminate about a boundary zone free from a pre-formed line of weakness and apparatus comprising a pressing device comprising an outermost pressing surface and connected to an arm member rotatable about an axis whereby rotating the arm member rotates the outermost pressing surface about the axis, wherein the outermost pressing surface is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the axis. Aspects of the partially formed container are also disclosed.