Multi-Layer Tube Butt Welding Strength and Seam Integrity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing packaging tubes face limitations in mechanical strength due to the nature of butt connections, which can only handle small surface areas and limited loads, and often compromise the functional integrity of multi-layer structures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer tube design with specific layer configurations, including a barrier layer and adhesion promoters, combined with a butt welding connection and a protective outer layer, enhances mechanical strength and maintains functional integrity while allowing for continuous decoration and improved appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If butt connection is used to connect layers in multi-layer tube production, then the functional integrity of layers is maintained, but the mechanical strength at the connection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrity of layersVSAvoidmechanical strength at connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structure with an inner tube made of first plastic material and an outer shell made of second plastic material with higher mechanical strength. This composite structure allows the inner tube to maintain functional integrity (barrier properties) while the outer shell provides enhanced mechanical strength to compensate for the limited strength of butt connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If overlapping strip is used to cover the weld seam, then the appearance is improved, but the mechanical strength at the connection is still limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance of weld seamVSAvoidmechanical strength at connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell made of second plastic material serves dual purposes: it provides enhanced mechanical strength to compensate for limited butt connection strength, and it can be designed to cover or reinforce the weld seam area, improving appearance while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multi-layer structure is used, then the barrier function is maintained, but the complexity of production increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier functionVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tube structure is segmented into two distinct parts: an inner tube made of first plastic material that provides barrier function, and an outer shell made of second plastic material that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall production process compared to complex multi-layer co-extrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution significantly increases the mechanical strength of packaging tubes, enabling them to withstand extreme loads and maintain functional layer effects, while allowing for arbitrary material choices and seamless decoration, even at the weld seam.

Implementation Method 1

intermediate layers made of an adhesion promoter or adhesive are also provided, in particular between layer 7.2 and the adjacent layers 7.1 and 7.3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the two long sides of the flat material are connected to one another, so that a tube-like shaped body is obtained. The connection can be overlapping (FR 2 908 345 A1), preferably butt (DE 35 10 956 A1), in each case by welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2490884B1Method for producing packaging, in particular tubes, and packaging
Publication Date: 2015.06.24 LINHARDT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2490884B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2490884B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2490884B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing packaging, each having a hose-like or tube-like packaging body, wherein a hose-shaped formed body is formed from a flat material having two long sides facing away from each other by means of folding or rolling and by means of the subsequent connection of the long sides in the form of a butt joint, for example by means of butt welding.