Gas Seal-in Method for Self-Standing Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing gas into gas filling compartments in bags are not suitable for automation, making it difficult to integrate into automated packaging processes using common automated packaging apparatuses like rotary type packaging machines.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a bag with a gas filling compartment, where a blow-out port connected to a pressurized gas source is used to introduce gas into the compartment through a cut-in or hole in the film, and a gripper is used to seal the gas inside by cutting off the flow and sealing the opening, allowing for automation of the gas sealing process within the packaging operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a gas filling compartment is added to a self-standing bag to improve shape retention and handling properties, then the bag's structural stability and usability are enhanced, but the packaging process becomes more complex and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The gas introduction holes are pre-formed in the bag film during bag manufacturing, before the packaging process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the automated packaging machine to simply blow gas through these pre-positioned holes without needing to locate or create them during the packaging operation, thereby maintaining shape retention while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag structure itself provides the means for gas introduction through pre-formed holes in the film. The bag's own structure serves the dual purpose of containing the product and providing access points for gas filling, eliminating the need for external complex positioning or alignment mechanisms during automated packaging.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual methods are used to seal gas into the gas filling compartment, then the shape retention and handling properties are improved, but the process cannot be integrated into automated packaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gas introduction holes are extracted as separate, pre-formed features in the bag film, distinct from the sealing areas. This separation allows automated sealing mechanisms to operate independently without needing to locate or align with the gas introduction points, enabling full automation while maintaining the gas filling compartment's shape retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed holes in the film serve as intermediaries between the gas supply system and the gas filling compartment. These fixed, pre-positioned openings provide a reliable interface that automated equipment can easily locate and utilize, bridging the gap between manual gas sealing concepts and automated implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bag is made larger or equipped with a spout to improve functionality, then the bag's utility is enhanced, but the bag becomes too flexible and loses self-standing properties
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is introduced locally into specific compartments of the bag structure through pre-formed holes positioned in specific regions. This localized gas filling provides targeted structural support to critical areas of the bag, enhancing self-standing properties and rigidity in regions that need it most, while allowing other areas to remain flexible for functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is divided into multiple gas filling compartments, each capable of being filled independently through its own pre-formed holes. This segmentation allows different regions of the bag to have different levels of rigidity and support, with gas-filled compartments providing structural stability while other areas maintain flexibility for spouts or dispensing functions.
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
Enables the automation of both the gas sealing process and the overall packaging process, allowing for efficient packaging of contents using automated machinery, maintaining the shape retention and handling properties of the bag.
Implementation Method 1
a blow-out port of a nozzle connected to a pressurized gas supply source is placed against the means for introducing gas
Implementation Method 2
gripping a part near the means for introducing gas from both surfaces of the bag with a blocking gripper while the gas blow-in continues, thus cutting off a flow of gas
Implementation Method 3
sealing of the means for introducing gas be effected by sealing the both surfaces of the bag at the location of the means for introducing gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sealing-in a gas in a gas filling compartment 5 of a bag having a cut-in 6 formed near the upper edge of the gas filling compartment. In the method, two edges of the bag with the contents inserted therein are gripped by grippers and suspended, the blow-in port of a gas (air) blow-in nozzle is brought to contact the cut-in, the back surface side of the bag is supported by a backing member, gas (air) is blown into the gas filling compartment, and the position below the cut-in is held from both sides of the bag by a gas cut-off grippers while the gas blow-in continues, so that the gas inside the gas filling compartment is not allowed to escape from the cut-in, and then the entire bag mouth, including the cut-in, is sealed.