Longitudinal Sealing Device with Transport Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for tubular bag production are not designed for continuous operation, leading to reduced processing speed and potential damage to packaging materials due to relative movements between sealing jaws and the material.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a drive system that moves the longitudinal sealing device along the transport direction of the packaging material, using dual sealing elements for both top and zip closures, and allowing the transverse sealing unit to move at a higher speed to prevent creases, while enabling adjustable heating and force settings for sealing elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stationary sealing device is used for tubular bag production, then the device structure is simple, but the processing speed is reduced and continuous operation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is transformed from a stationary structure to a dynamic one by introducing a drive system that moves the sealing unit along the transport direction of the packaging material. This allows the sealing device to continuously follow the moving material, enabling continuous operation and increased processing speed while maintaining sealing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If sealing jaws remain stationary relative to packaging material, then the device structure is simple, but relative movements cause damage to packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging integrityVSAvoidsealing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing jaws are equipped with a drive system that synchronizes their movement with the transport speed of the packaging material. This eliminates relative movement between the sealing jaws and the material during the sealing process, preventing packaging damage while maintaining a relatively simple sealing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate sealing devices are used for top seam and closure sealing, then each function can be optimized, but the device becomes more complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionalityVSAvoidnumber of sealing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing jaws are designed to integrate multiple sealing functions within a single unit. The first and second sealing elements can simultaneously or sequentially create the top seam and seal the closure, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one integrated system, reducing complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing jaw structure is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple sealing tasks. By incorporating adjustable sealing elements and a synchronized drive system, the same sealing jaw can create top seams, seal closures, and adapt to different packaging requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If transverse sealing unit moves at the same speed as packaging material, then the transport is simple, but creases form in the packaging material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag qualityVSAvoidspeed control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse sealing unit is equipped with an independent drive system that allows its speed to be adjusted relative to the packaging material transport speed. By moving the sealing unit at a slightly higher speed, the system creates a stretching effect that prevents crease formation, improving bag quality while requiring a relatively simple speed control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 continuous operation, increases processing speed, reduces damage to packaging, and improves bag quality by allowing for flexible adjustment and higher quality seals, with reduced changeover times and space-efficient integration of components.

Implementation Method 1

the longitudinal sealing device comprises heating elements and/or temperature sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one drive which moves the longitudinal sealing device along the transport direction of the packaging material during the sealing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

Vertically arranged sealing jaws apply heat and pressure to the packaging to be sealed during the feed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat: Heating

Implementation Method 4

apply heat and pressure to the packaging to be sealed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3048056B1Device for sealing a package or a packaging material
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 SYNTEGON PACKAGING SOLUTIONS BV
  • EP3048056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3048056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3048056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for sealing a package or packaging material is proposed, comprising at least one format set (5) for forming a packaging material (1) into a tube, comprising at least one take-up process (6) that moves the packaging material (1) in a transport direction, with at least one longitudinal sealing device (7) for creating at least one longitudinal seam, wherein the longitudinal sealing device (7) comprises at least two sealing jaws (17, 18) that can be moved relative to each other, with at least one transverse sealing unit (8) for creating at least one transverse seam, characterized in that a drive (26) is provided which moves the longitudinal sealing device (7) during the sealing process of the longitudinal seam along the transport direction of the packaging material (1).