Low-Voltage Fusion Seal Apparatus for Odor-Containing Waste

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste packaging methods fail to provide a hermetic seal, allowing odor molecules to escape, particularly when using twisting mechanisms, which are not effective in completely isolating individual packs, and heat sealing methods are complex and expensive or unsuitable due to voltage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A waste packaging device with a dispensing apparatus and a fusion seal apparatus using sealing jaws powered by a low-voltage battery (≤20V) for heat sealing, combined with a multilayer plastic film containing at least 50% polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer, allowing for efficient and hygienic storage of waste with a temperature below 80°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a twisting mechanism is used to separate individual waste packs, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the hermetic seal quality deteriorates allowing odor escape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidodor escape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical twisting system with a thermal sealing system. Instead of using mechanical twists to seal waste packs, the invention uses heated sealing jaws that apply heat and pressure to create hermetic seals on the flexible membrane, effectively substituting a mechanical sealing approach with a thermal one to achieve better odor containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the thermoplastic material in the flexible membrane. The sealing jaws heat the membrane above its melting point, causing it to soften and fuse, then cool it to solidify the bond. This controlled phase transition enables hermetic sealing that prevents odor escape while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If heat sealing is used to provide hermetic seal, then the odor barrier effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to high voltage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor barrier effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter specifications by using low voltage (12V or 24V) power sources instead of high voltage systems. This parameter change simplifies the overall device complexity, allows use of safer batteries, and reduces manufacturing costs while still achieving effective heat sealing through optimized sealing jaw design and thermal conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable or rechargeable low-voltage batteries as the power source for the sealing jaws. These simple, inexpensive power sources replace complex high-voltage electrical systems, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining sufficient sealing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If heat sealing is used to provide hermetic seal, then the odor barrier effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to high voltage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor barrier effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter specifications by using low voltage (12V or 24V) power sources instead of high voltage systems. This parameter change simplifies the overall device complexity, allows use of safer batteries, and reduces manufacturing costs while still achieving effective heat sealing through optimized sealing jaw design and thermal conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable or rechargeable low-voltage batteries as the power source for the sealing jaws. These simple, inexpensive power sources replace complex high-voltage electrical systems, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining sufficient sealing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 provides a safe, simple, and effective method for storing waste by ensuring a hermetic seal, preventing odor escape and being user-friendly, while avoiding the complexity and cost of high-voltage systems.

Implementation Method 1

the film can be heat sealed with the thermal energy transferred with the battery with a voltage of less than 20 V

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

closing hermetically the plastic film with the use of the fusion seal apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal fusion: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2597057B1Waste packing system with fusion seal apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.09.26 FLEXOPACK SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a waste packaging device and to a method for storing waste. The device comprises a dispensing apparatus where a plastic film is stored, a bin where a fusion seal apparatus is located, and a fusion seal apparatus. The fusion seal apparatus contains sealing jaws (5) and comprises a battery with a maximum voltage of equal or less than 20 V. The movement of the sealing jaws (5) is initiated through a gear (2,3,4) by a rotation of an axis (1).