Heated Grid for Vacuum Packaging Suction Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines that evacuate air from chambers to package products under vacuum often experience icing at the suction opening due to decreased static pressure and temperature, leading to narrowed openings and potential damage from detached ice.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with an electrically heatable grid positioned near the suction opening to prevent ice formation, using an electrically insulating frame to ensure safe heating without conductive connections, and a power supply that heats only during evacuation to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is sucked out of the chamber at the suction opening, then the chamber is evacuated to create vacuum packaging, but a local increase in flow velocity occurs due to the narrowing of the cross-section which causes a decrease in static pressure and temperature, leading to icing of the suction opening
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned at the suction opening to preemptively counteract the cooling effect that occurs during evacuation. By applying heat before ice can form, the system prevents the harmful effect rather than dealing with it after occurrence, maintaining clear airflow passage throughout the evacuation process
Solution Approach 2:
Heating is applied locally only at the suction opening area where the temperature drop and ice formation occur, rather than heating the entire chamber. This targeted approach efficiently prevents icing at the critical location while minimizing energy consumption
2Productivity
If the suction opening is narrowed by ice formation, then the evacuation process is hindered, but continuous vacuum packaging cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated during the evacuation process to preemptively prevent ice formation that would otherwise narrow the suction opening. This preliminary action ensures the airflow passage remains stable and open throughout the evacuation cycle, enabling continuous operation without interruption
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a heating element is added to prevent ice formation, then ice formation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive frame is introduced as an intermediary component to mount the heating element on the chamber bottom while preventing direct electrical contact. This simple intermediary structure enables the heating function while maintaining electrical safety and avoiding complex wiring arrangements
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the grid is positioned in or above the suction opening, then heat radiation heats the edges of the suction opening preventing ice formation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating grid is merged with the chamber bottom structure, utilizing the existing surface as the mounting base. This integration approach combines the heating function with the existing structural component, preventing ice formation while avoiding the need for separate complex mounting structures
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
Prevents ice formation at the suction opening, maintains efficient airflow, and protects the vacuum device from ice damage, ensuring continuous operation and high product output.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically heatable grid may be arranged to heat the suction opening when evacuating the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum is created in an otherwise gas-tightly closed chamber by extracting the air from the chamber using a suction device
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging machine for packaging products under vacuum, the packaging machine comprising a lid and a chamber bottom which together form a chamber, the chamber bottom having formed therein a suction opening which can be closed in a gas-tight manner and to which a suction device for evacuating the chamber is connected. An electrically heatable grid is arranged on the suction opening to prevent ice forming near or around the suction opening during evacuation of the chamber.