Infrared Plastic Welding Device for Contamination-Free Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting plastic parts, such as welding, often result in microbiological contamination and particle formation due to friction, which is not adequately addressed by current infrared welding techniques that are limited to simple geometries or do not ensure a tight, contamination-free joint.

Innovation Solution

A device using independently operated infrared radiation sources with differently oriented radiation surfaces to heat plastic parts along the connection point without contact, allowing for precise temperature control and contamination-free welding of parts with complex geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If friction-based welding methods (vibration welding, friction welding, ultrasonic welding) are used to achieve tight welds, then welding strength and tightness are improved, but particle formation and microbiological contamination occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld tightnessVSAvoidparticle formation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based heating systems with an infrared radiation-based heating system. The infrared heater emits radiant energy that heats the plastic parts without physical contact, eliminating the friction that causes particle formation while still achieving the necessary temperature for tight welds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared radiation serves as an intermediary energy transfer mechanism between the heater and the plastic parts. This intermediary allows heat transfer without direct mechanical contact, preventing particle generation while maintaining effective heating for strong welds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If infrared radiation heating is used to avoid particle formation, then contamination is reduced, but the process is limited to components with simple geometries

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidgeometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared heating system is divided into multiple independent radiation sources, each capable of being positioned and controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to complex geometries by targeting different areas with appropriately oriented heaters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system incorporates adjustable and repositionable infrared heaters that can be dynamically positioned to match the specific geometry of the parts being welded. This dynamic adaptability allows the same system to handle both simple and complex geometries effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent infrared radiation sources with differently oriented surfaces are used, then adaptability to complex geometries is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of radiation sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each infrared radiation source is designed as a multi-functional unit that can emit radiation in multiple directions and be positioned in various orientations. This universality reduces the need for numerous specialized heaters, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability to complex geometries

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

Enables the production of tight, microbiologically sealed connections without particle formation, suitable for sensitive materials and geometries, by heating parts to optimal welding temperatures without physical contact, thus reducing contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plastic parts to be joined is heated by means of an assignable infrared radiation source at least along the joint without contact with the other plastic part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3691875B1Method and device for joining at least two plastic parts
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 ROMMELAG ENGINEERING GMBH DE
  • EP3691875B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3691875B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3691875B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for joining at least two plastic parts (1) along a specifiable common joint by means of infrared radiation (IR), which method is characterized in that each of the plastic parts (1) to be joined to each other is heated, without touching the other plastic part (1), by means of infrared radiation at least along the joint by means of an associable radiation source, in that the one radiation source in question is operated independently of and with spatial separation from at least one further radiation source, in that the radiation sources output the infrared radiation in question to the associable plastic part (1) in question without contact and along the contour of the joint, and in that the degree of heating by means of the infrared radiation in question is selected in such a way that the joint is formed when the plastic parts (1) are brought together.