Modular Vacuum Packaging Plant with Segmented Stations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum packaging systems are expensive, energy-intensive, and inflexible, making them unsuitable for small production batches and varied product geometries, while also compromising on production speed and aesthetic quality.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum packaging plant with multiple independent packaging stations, a vacuum pump, and an auxiliary pressure device, connected through multiple fluid circuits and control valves, allowing for flexible operation and efficient air removal without compromising product quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single high power gas suction system is used to simultaneously form multiple vacuum packages, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum packaging system into multiple independent packaging stations (first packaging station, second packaging station, etc.), each capable of operating independently with its own vacuum control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity through parallel operations while reducing the complexity of any single vacuum system, as each station uses a simpler vacuum pump rather than one large complex system.
2Productivity
If a single high power gas suction system is used to simultaneously form multiple vacuum packages, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vacuum generation function across multiple independent vacuum pumps, each serving a specific packaging station. This allows energy consumption to be distributed and optimized per station based on actual demand, rather than continuously running one large high-power system at full capacity. Each vacuum pump operates only when its associated station is active, reducing overall energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary pressure devices that can adjust the vacuum level dynamically. By changing the pressure parameters according to actual packaging needs rather than maintaining constant high vacuum levels, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining productivity. The auxiliary pressure devices allow for optimized vacuum levels tailored to different packaging requirements.
3Productivity
If sophisticated automated apparatuses are used to form high quality packaged products rapidly, then productivity and quality are improved, but adaptability to small batches and different geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packaging system into multiple independent stations, each capable of handling different packaging tasks. This modular structure allows individual stations to be configured for specific product types or batch sizes without affecting other stations, thereby maintaining high productivity while improving adaptability to different geometries and batch requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates auxiliary pressure devices that can dynamically adjust vacuum levels and packaging parameters for each station independently. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different product geometries and batch sizes while maintaining rapid production speeds, as each station can be optimized in real-time based on the specific packaging requirements.
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 system reduces production costs, enhances production speed, and maintains the aesthetic quality of packaged products by allowing flexible operation and efficient air removal across various product geometries and batch sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump (50); a first circuit (11) configured for putting in fluid communication said vacuum pump (50) with said packaging stations (1)
Implementation Method 2
at least one second circuit (12) configured for putting in fluid communication at least one of said packaging stations (1) with the at least one auxiliary pressure device (51); wherein the auxiliary pressure device (51) is configured for suctioning a gas through the second circuit (12), from at least one of said packaging stations (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A plant for vacuum packaging of products includes a plurality of packaging stations, a vacuum pump, a first circuit, an auxiliary pressure device, and a second circuit. The plurality of packaging stations are distinct from each other and configured to separately perform the vacuum packaging of products. The first circuit is configured to put said vacuum pump in fluid communication with said packaging stations. The second circuit is configured to put at least one of said packaging stations in fluid communication with the auxiliary pressure device. The auxiliary pressure device is configured to suction a gas through the second circuit from at least one of said packaging stations.