Modular Thermo-Sealing Machine Moulds with Automatic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermo-sealing machines for food packages lack a complete modular design of moulds, particularly limiting the lower mould's pneumatic connectivity, which hampers efficient adaptation to various package sizes and shapes, and results in increased wear and tear due to cumbersome mould exchange processes.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-sealing machine with modular upper and lower moulds featuring reversible and vertically movable designs, integrated electrical and pneumatic connectors, and sliding guides for easy replacement, allowing for automatic connection and disconnection of moulds, enabling efficient sealing and atmosphere control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular moulds with interchangeable design are used, then adaptability to different package sizes and shapes is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connectors and positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mould system is divided into interchangeable upper and lower moulds that can be independently replaced. Each mould is a separate module with integrated connectors, allowing flexible configuration for different package types while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The moulds are designed with universal electrical and pneumatic connectors that work across different mould configurations. The standardized connector design allows the same interface to serve multiple functions (power, control signals, pneumatic connections) reducing overall system complexity despite high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If automatic electrical and pneumatic connectors are integrated into moulds, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (electrical power, control signals, and pneumatic connections) are merged into integrated connector assemblies that are built into the moulds. This combination allows automatic connection of all utilities simultaneously when moulds are installed, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to automatically establish electrical and pneumatic connections when the moulds are positioned in the seats, without requiring manual intervention. The self-aligning and self-connecting features reduce operational complexity while the automatic disconnection simplifies mould changes.
3Productivity
If moulds are made vertically movable and reciprocally positioned, then productivity is improved through faster exchange, but device complexity increases due to motion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The moulds are designed with vertical movability and reciprocal positioning capabilities, transitioning from static to dynamic configuration. This allows rapid exchange by moving moulds vertically into and out of seats, significantly improving productivity. The motion mechanisms are integrated into the mould structure itself, managing complexity through compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
Sliding guides are introduced as intermediary elements between the moulds and machine frame, facilitating smooth vertical movement and precise positioning. These guides act as mediators that enable fast mould exchange while protecting the connectors from damage during motion, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complete modular design with pneumatic connectors in lower mould is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complete modular design divides the sealing system into interchangeable upper and lower moulds, each manufactured as separate units with integrated pneumatic connectors. This segmentation allows specialized manufacturing of each mould type for specific package configurations, improving adaptability while enabling streamlined production through repeatable manufacturing processes for standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Pneumatic connectors and internal ducts are pre-integrated into the mould structures during manufacturing, rather than being installed separately. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining multiple assembly steps into the mould casting or fabrication process, making the complex modular design easier to manufacture.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient mould exchange, reduces wear and tear, and enhances the machine's adaptability to different package sizes and shapes by ensuring complete modular design with automatic electrical and pneumatic connections, improving production efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Package sealing or thermo-sealing is carried out by heating the film by means of a resistance arranged along the edge of the tray so as to obtain a partial melt to be sealably adhered to the edge
Implementation Method 2
the two moulds are abutted against each other and define a sealed chamber from which the air can optionally be removed and replaced with a controlled atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
to subsequently re-inject special gases into the package to create a controlled atmosphere aimed at protecting the original organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the product
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A thermo-sealing machine (1) for food packages comprises a conveyor assembly (5), an upper mould (200) having at least one electrical resistance suitable to thermally seal a package (C), a lower mould (100) configured to abut against the upper mould (200), an upper support (20) defining a housing seat for the upper mould (200), the upper mould (200) and the related upper support (20) have respective sliding guides mutually engageable to allow the upper mould (200) to move slidingly between a disassembled configuration and an operating configuration, a lower support (10) defining a housing seat for the lower mould. The upper mould (200) and the upper support (20) have respective electrical connectors oriented parallel to the corresponding sliding guide and configured for supplying the electrical resistance, one electrical connector of the upper mould (200) is configured and arranged so as to engage a respective electrical connector of the upper support (20) during a constrained movement of the upper mould (200) along the sliding guides towards its housing seat.