Heat-Sealing Member Biasing Layout for Uniform Bag Seal Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat seal devices face issues with non-uniform application of biasing force due to displacement of the centroid of the first heat seal member from the line of action of the biasing members, leading to poor seal quality. This occurs when the shape or position of the first heat seal member is changed to accommodate different bag designs, resulting in compromised seal quality.

Innovation Solution

A heat seal device with a slider and secondary biasing member that allows adjustment of the line of action of the combined biasing force perpendicular to the primary biasing members, enabling uniform seal pressure by aligning the centroid of the first heat seal member with the line of action, even when the seal member's position or shape is altered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shape or position of the first heat seal member is changed to accommodate different bag designs, then the adaptability of the heat seal device is improved, but the uniform application of biasing force deteriorates due to centroid displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bag designsVSAvoiduniformity of seal pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a movable support structure that can dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis of the heat seal member. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the support to track and maintain proper alignment with the changing centroid position of the heat seal member, ensuring continuous uniform biasing force application even as the heat seal member configuration changes for different bag designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the heat seal member centroid is monitored and used to control the position of the support. This closed-loop control ensures that the support automatically adjusts to maintain alignment with the centroid, compensating for changes in heat seal member shape or position and preserving uniform seal pressure across different bag designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the first heat seal member is repositioned or reshaped for different bag configurations, then the versatility of the bag making apparatus is improved, but the alignment between the centroid and line of action of biasing force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different bag configurationsVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the longitudinal axis, enabling it to track the changing centroid position of the heat seal member. This dynamic repositioning capability maintains the critical alignment between the support and centroid even when the heat seal member is repositioned or reshaped for different bag configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system monitors the centroid position of the heat seal member and automatically adjusts the support position to maintain proper alignment. This feedback mechanism ensures that alignment stability is preserved regardless of changes in heat seal member configuration, allowing versatile bag design adaptation without compromising alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed biasing member arrangement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain uniform seal pressure across different designs is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of biasing member arrangementVSAvoidconsistency of seal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a single movable support that can dynamically reposition itself along the longitudinal axis to accommodate different heat seal member configurations. This dynamic capability provides consistency of seal quality across different designs while adding minimal complexity compared to having multiple fixed biasing members at different positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support structure serves multiple functions: it provides biasing force, maintains alignment with the centroid, and adapts to different heat seal member configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple fixed components, maintaining simplicity while achieving consistent seal quality across various bag designs

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

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

Ensures uniform application of biasing force across the seal surface, maintaining high-quality seals despite changes in bag design or component dimensions, thereby preventing issues like leakage.

Implementation Method 1

at least two primary biasing members located between the slider and the beam to bias the slider and the first heat seal member towards the second heat seal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a heat seal device for heat-sealing bag components... sandwiching the bag components between the first and second heat seal members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4253029B1Heat-sealing device and bag-making machine
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 TOTANI CORP (JP)
  • EP4253029B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4253029B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4253029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This heat-sealing device is provided with at least two main biasing members and a sub biasing member. These biasing members are disposed between a slider and a first heat-sealing member so as to bias the first heat-sealing member toward a second heat-sealing member when components of a bag are to be clamped between the first and second heat-sealing members. The main biasing members are arranged in a straight line in a first horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. This heat-sealing device is configured to be capable of adjusting the biasing force exerted on the first heat-sealing member by the sub biasing member.