Flexible Package Transverse Seal Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines, such as VFFS machines, face issues with damage to transverse seals and irregular spacing during shipment due to their perpendicular or oblique orientation, leading to reduced packaging efficiency and increased shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a system with folding bars and forming boxes that fold and secure transverse seals in a flat position within the package, using residual heat and internal pressure to attach them to the package body, preventing damage during shipment and ensuring consistent spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transverse seals extend perpendicularly or obliquely from the package, then sealing function is achieved, but the seals are subject to damage during shipment and cause irregular spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning the transverse seal orientation from perpendicular/oblique (3D protrusion) to flat/planar (2D integration). The folding bars fold the transverse seals flat against the package body, changing their spatial dimension from protruding to coplanar, which eliminates the harmful effect of seal damage during shipment while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional seal orientation approach. Instead of extending seals outward (perpendicular/oblique), the seals are folded inward to lie flat against the package surface. This inverted configuration protects the seals from damage during handling and shipping while maintaining their sealing function.
2Reliability
If transverse seals extend perpendicularly or obliquely, then sealing is formed, but irregular spacing within the package occurs, reducing packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the transverse seals flat against the package body, the patent eliminates the dimensional protrusion that causes irregular spacing. This allows packages to be stacked more uniformly and efficiently, improving packaging productivity without compromising the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity by ensuring all transverse seals are folded to the same flat position, creating uniform package dimensions and spacing. This consistent configuration across all packages improves stacking efficiency and overall packaging productivity.
3Reliability
If folding bars and forming boxes are used to fold and secure transverse seals, then seal protection and shape consistency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding bars utilize residual heat from the sealing process and internal package pressure to automatically fold and secure the transverse seals flat against the package body. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional active components (heaters, actuators), thereby protecting seals while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (temperature and pressure) already present in the sealing process to achieve seal folding. By utilizing residual heat and internal pressure, the system folds seals without requiring separate heating or actuation systems, thus protecting seals while keeping the apparatus relatively simple.
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
This solution enhances packaging rigidity, improves shape consistency, and increases processing speed by securing transverse seals flatly, reducing damage and shipping costs while maintaining package stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using residual heat and internal pressure to attach them to the package body
Implementation Method 2
using residual heat and internal pressure to attach them to the package body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~7B
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a package can include a first station for receiving a package from a packaging machine, the package having a trailing seal extending outwardly from a panel of the package. At the first station, the package is received in a forming box, which is rotated about the apparatus. The forming box with the package is rotated to a second station in which a flap folding plate extends to fold the trailing seal and apply a pressure to the panel of the package to flatten the panel of the package against an internal pressure of the package. The forming box then optionally rotates to a third station in which a holding plate maintains the pressure to the panel of the package for an additional dwell time. Finally the forming box rotates to a fourth position in which the package is released from the forming box.