Lidding Machine Segmented Heating for Dual Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container sealing machines are not versatile enough to perform both 'skin packaging' and modified atmosphere sealing effectively, as the high temperatures required for modified atmosphere sealing can damage the film and deform the container, necessitating separate machines for each type.
Innovation Solution
A lidding machine with a sealing head that includes a heating block and an intermediate piece with thermal insulation, allowing for temperature regulation in the intermediate room and heating block independently, enabling both 'skin packaging' and modified atmosphere sealing without damaging the film or container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sealing machine uses high temperature heating block for modified atmosphere sealing, then sealing capability is achieved, but the film and container are damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two independent temperature control zones: a first heating zone for the intermediate piece and a second heating zone for the heating block. This allows each zone to operate at different temperatures optimized for specific sealing types, preventing film damage while enabling both modified atmosphere and skin packaging sealing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate piece is introduced as a thermal mediator between the heating block and the film/container. This intermediate piece can be heated to a lower temperature than the heating block, acting as a buffer that protects the film and container from excessive heat while still enabling effective sealing through controlled thermal transfer
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate machines are used for skin packaging and modified atmosphere sealing, then film and container are protected from damage, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing machine is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both modified atmosphere sealing and skin packaging sealing using a single device. The dual temperature control system and intermediate piece enable the machine to adapt to different sealing requirements, eliminating the need for separate machines and reducing equipment costs
3Reliability
If the heating block is brought to very high temperature for modified atmosphere sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the film close to the heating block is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Different local temperature zones are created within the heating system: the heating block operates at high temperature for effective sealing, while the intermediate piece operates at a lower temperature. This local quality differentiation ensures that the film contact area experiences manageable temperatures that prevent damage, while the heating block maintains sufficient temperature for reliable sealing
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 machine achieves thermal sealing of containers for both 'skin packaging' and modified atmosphere applications, reducing equipment costs by allowing a single machine to perform both types of sealing while protecting the film and container from deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating block arranged to heat the pressing element
Implementation Method 2
a space occupied by a thermal insulation element between the heating block and the intermediate piece
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container sealing machine (1, 1') for thermally sealing a sealing film (2) onto a container (3), in particular for "skin packaging" or modified atmosphere packaging of products (31, 31'), especially food products, the sealing machine (1, 1') comprising a housing (4) having an upper bell (41) and a lower bell (42) arranged to be moved along a principal vertical axis relative to each other between an open position allowing the container (3) to be placed in the lower bell (42) and the film (2) to be placed between the lower bell (42) and the upper bell (41), and a closed position allowing the sealing,a sealing head (5) mounted in the upper bell (41) and comprising a pressure element (6) including a bearing surface (60) arranged to press the film (2) against an edge (30) of the container (3) in the closed position of the enclosure (4), a heating block (7) arranged to heat the pressure element (6) and an intermediate piece (8) mounted at the interface between the heating block (7) and the inside of the enclosure (4), the sealing head (5) comprising spacer pads (93) fixing the intermediate piece (8) to the sealing head (5) so as to provide a space occupied by a thermal insulation element between the heating block (7) and the intermediate piece (8).