Inflatable Membrane for Packaging Container Bulging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging containers for foodstuffs with volumes of 1000 ml and higher experience bulging due to the weight of the contents, making them difficult to handle and unattractive, as existing solutions are either static and not adaptable to different shapes and sizes or do not effectively minimize bulging.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a support plate with an inflatable membrane on a rail, which is inflated before the sealing of the packaging container to press against its walls, minimizing bulging by controlling the fluid supply and pressure through a pneumatic unit, allowing for flexible adaptation to various container shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If packaging containers are made thinner and lighter to reduce material usage, then material consumption decreases, but bulging occurs due to the weight of foodstuff pressing on the thin walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inflating the membrane before the sealing operation to support the container walls during filling. The membrane is inflated to a predetermined pressure that provides adequate support against the weight of the foodstuff being filled, preventing bulging before it occurs. After sealing, the membrane is deflated to allow easy removal from the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using an inflatable membrane that can change its state from deflated to inflated and back. The membrane is inflated during the filling operation to provide dynamic support against bulging, then deflated after sealing to facilitate removal. This dynamic adjustment allows the same membrane to serve multiple functions across different operational phases.
2Shape
If static compression bars are used to press against container walls, then some bulging reduction is achieved, but the solution is not adaptable to different package shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using an inflatable membrane instead of rigid compression bars. The membrane can be inflated to various shapes and sizes depending on the container type, allowing it to adapt to different package geometries. The flexible nature of the membrane enables it to conform to the container walls while providing uniform support pressure, achieving both bulging reduction and adaptability to various container configurations.
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 effectively prevents excessive bulging of packaging containers by inflating the membrane before sealing, ensuring an optimal shape and appearance, even for different container types and sizes, by controlling the inflation timing and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the membrane before sealing to press against its walls, minimizing bulging by controlling the fluid supply and pressure through a pneumatic unit
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for handling packaging containers for foodstuffs is disclosed. The assembly and method may include a support plate attachable on a rail for holding packaging containers raised from a sheet of web material, a membrane arranged on the support plate and at least one inlet for receiving fluid intended to inflate the membrane. The assembly may be arranged at a sealing station for the packaging container and the membrane may be configured to be inflated through the fluid inlet in order to press against at least two walls of the packaging container during sealing of the container in order to prevent bulging of the sealed container.