Off-Center Transverse Seal for Inclined Package Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in providing sufficient space for an opening device on the top wall of packages due to the central placement of transverse seals, leading to limited opening size and instability during stacking and storage.
Innovation Solution
A forming device that displaces the first transverse seal off-center relative to the tube's longitudinal axis, allowing for the creation of inclined top and bottom walls, which increases the space for the opening device and improves stacking stability by tilting the sealing elements and volume control elements to shape the package with a predetermined angle of inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the transverse seal is placed centrally on the top wall of the package, then the sealing structure is simplified and symmetric, but the space available for positioning the opening device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by displacing the transverse seal from the central position on the top wall to an off-center position. This asymmetric arrangement creates additional space on one side of the top wall for positioning a larger opening device, while the sealing structure itself remains relatively simple. The seal is positioned closer to one edge of the top wall, allowing the opening device to be placed in the available space without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger opening device is used to handle semiliquid or fibrous products, then the product handling capability is improved, but the package becomes unstable during stacking and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry to position the transverse seal off-center, which allows a larger opening device to be installed on the top wall for handling semiliquid or fibrous products. The asymmetric seal placement creates an inclined top wall that provides structural support and stability, preventing the package from becoming top-heavy despite the larger opening device. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both large opening capability and stacking stability through the same asymmetric geometric arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by creating an inclined top wall through the off-center seal position. This inclination adds a angular dimension to the package geometry, transforming the traditionally flat top wall into a sloped surface. This dimensional change allows the opening device to be positioned at an angle that optimizes both its size for product handling and its placement for maintaining stacking stability, effectively resolving the contradiction through spatial reconfiguration.
3Shape
If the opening device is positioned centrally on the top wall, then the package appearance is symmetric and aesthetically pleasing, but the opening device size is limited by the seal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately applies asymmetry by positioning the transverse seal off-center on the top wall, which directly enables a larger opening device to be installed. While this sacrifices the traditional symmetric appearance, it provides the necessary space for the opening device to accommodate semiliquid or fibrous products. The asymmetric design prioritizes functional versatility over aesthetic symmetry, allowing the opening device to be substantially larger while maintaining adequate structural integrity.
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 the production of packages with a larger opening device area, enhancing the ability to handle semiliquid or fibrous products while maintaining package stability during stacking and storage.
Implementation Method 1
two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is characterized in that it is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. The invention also relates to a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.