Gas Filling Handle Portion Collapsible Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for gas filling and sealing the handle portion of collapsible containers are bottlenecked, limiting the filling capacity of filling machines, as they require simultaneous gas filling and sealing operations that increase dwell time at each station.

Innovation Solution

A method that separates gas filling and sealing into two distinct stations, where gas is supplied to the handle portion via a duct and blocked by a squeezing action, allowing the container to be transported to a sealing station for permanent enclosure, reducing dwell time and enhancing production capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If gas filling and sealing operations are performed simultaneously at the same station, then the container can be processed in a single location, but the dwell time at each station increases, reducing production capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of stationsVSAvoidfilling capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gas filling and sealing operations into two separate stations: a gas filling station and a sealing station. This segmentation allows each station to perform its specific function independently, reducing the dwell time at each station and increasing the overall production capacity of the filling machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If gas filling and sealing are performed at separate stations, then dwell time at each station is reduced, but the process requires additional transportation between stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling capacityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous transportation of containers between the gas filling station and sealing station without interruption. The container is filled with gas, then immediately transported to the sealing station while the squeezing action is maintained, ensuring continuous production flow and minimizing idle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the duct is blocked by squeezing action during transport, then gas retention is ensured, but the container requires additional constraint mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas retentionVSAvoidconstraint mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a squeezing action applied by transport jaws as an intermediary mechanism to block the duct and retain gas during transport. This squeezing action serves as a temporary constraint that is easily applied and released, and the jaws are designed to maintain this constraint throughout the transport process without requiring additional complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables high-capacity production of finished containers by shortening the time spent at each station, improving the efficiency of gas filling and sealing operations.

Implementation Method 1

blocking the duct by means of a squeezing action to retain the gas supplied to the handle portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

supplying, at a gas filling station, a gas to the handle portion via said opening and duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas Flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2200817B1Method for gas filling of a handle portion of a container
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 ECOLEAN AB
  • EP2200817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2200817B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2200817B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e

AI summary

A method for gas filling a handle portion (4) of a container (1) of a collapsible type, the handle portion (4) being defined by two opposite side walls (2) of the container (1) and communicating, via a duct (5) defined by said side walls (2), with an opening (6) formed in one of the side walls (2). The method comprises the steps of supplying, at a gas filling station (8), a gas to the handle portion (4) via said opening (6) and said duct (5), blocking the duct (5) by means of a squeezing action to retain the gas supplied to the handle portion (4), transporting the container (1) to a sealing station (9) while maintaining the squeezing action and, at said sealing station (9), sealing the duct (5) while maintaining the squeezing action, so as to permanently enclose the gas in said handle portion (4). The invention further concerns a container of a collapsible type.