Inside-Cut Container Sealing With Retractable Cutting Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin sealing techniques often result in loose film edges extending beyond the container periphery due to the film being cut and sealed outside the container, which can damage the film and prevent effective vacuum drawing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-phase cutting and sealing stroke, where the film is cut before sealing, using a cutting tool that is initially recessed relative to the upper sealing module to avoid damage, and then moved into contact with the container while the sealing module advances, allowing for an 'inside cut' that minimizes loose film edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the film is cut and sealed outside the container periphery (outside cut), then the film can be easily sealed to the container, but loose film edges extend beyond the container which can damage the film and prevent effective vacuum drawing
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting operation is performed before the sealing operation, and the cutting tool is retracted during the vacuum drawing phase. This preliminary cutting followed by retraction prevents the film edges from interfering with vacuum drawing while maintaining the sealing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool is made movable between a retracted position (during vacuum drawing and sealing) and an advanced cutting position (during film cutting). This dynamic positioning allows the system to avoid film damage during vacuum drawing while enabling precise cutting to achieve inside cut configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If the cutting tool is advanced to cut the film before sealing, then an inside cut can be achieved, but the film may be damaged by the cutting tool during the vacuum drawing phase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool position is dynamically controlled: advanced to the cutting position for precise inside cut, then retracted to a safe position during vacuum drawing to prevent film damage. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between achieving precise cuts and maintaining film integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting operation is completed before the vacuum drawing phase begins, and the tool is retracted in advance. This preliminary cutting followed by retraction ensures precise cuts are made while the film remains intact for subsequent vacuum drawing and sealing operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the film is cut to be slightly smaller than the container (inside cut), then loose edges are minimized, but the film may not adequately cover the sealing area
Solution Approach 1:
The film is cut to the precise inside cut dimensions before sealing, ensuring minimal loose edges. The cutting tool is programmed to cut slightly inside the container periphery, and the sealing process then accommodates this precise configuration by sealing the film to the container rim
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 method effectively seals the film to the container without damaging it, ensuring a clean cut and complete seal, suitable for packaging products like meat, poultry, and fish, while maintaining vacuum conditions for extended shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
evacuating a space above the film using an evacuating portion of the upper sealing module so as to cause a portion of the film to conform to the upper sealing module
Implementation Method 2
sealing the cut-out area of film to the sealing area of the container using a heat sealing portion of the upper sealing module
Data Source
AI summary
A container has a product in a product-receiving area and has a sealing area surrounding the product-receiving area. A length of film is arranged over the container. A space above the film is evacuated using an evacuating portion of an upper sealing module arranged over the film, so as to cause a portion of the film to conform to the upper sealing module. An area of the film is cut out by moving a cutting tool relative to the upper sealing module from a recessed position to a cutting position. The cut-out area of film includes the portion of the film conformed to the upper sealing module, is brought into contact with the sealing area of the container by moving the upper sealing module relative to the container, and is sealed to the sealing area of the container using a heat sealing portion of the upper sealing module.