Packaging Multi-Pack Cooling to Prevent Shrink Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing packaging containers using shrink film in a heat tunnel often cause deformation of PET bottles due to direct heat exposure, leading to misalignment of the closure and potential bulges or dents, especially when the liquid level is low.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spraying device or cooling device to apply a spray medium or cooling medium to the packaging's upper region before or during the shrink tunnel process, utilizing adiabatic cooling through evaporation or condensation to mitigate heat-induced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct heat is applied to the packaging in the shrink tunnel to shrink the film, then the shrink film adheres to the packaging and fixes the packages in place, but the packaging deforms in the head area and the closure becomes misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spray cooling to the packaging containers before they enter the heat shrink tunnel. This preliminary cooling action reduces the temperature of the packaging, particularly in the head area, so that when the packaging subsequently undergoes heat exposure in the shrink tunnel, the heat exposure time and temperature differential are reduced, preventing deformation and maintaining closure concentricity while still allowing the shrink film to adhere properly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the packaging by applying cooling spray before the shrink tunnel process. This temperature modification allows the packaging to withstand the subsequent heat exposure without deforming, as the cooled packaging requires less heat exposure time to achieve the same shrink film adhesion effect, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision
2Manufacturing precision
If heat exposure in the shrink tunnel is increased to ensure proper shrink film shrinking, then the film shrinks effectively, but deformation and warping of the packaging units are intensified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cooling spray specifically to the head area and upper portions of the packaging containers before they enter the shrink tunnel. This localized cooling creates a temperature gradient where the vulnerable head area is cooled more than other areas, providing differential thermal protection that maintains shape integrity in critical regions while still allowing effective shrink film shrinking in other areas
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
Prevents deformation of packaging containers by reducing heat exposure through cooling, ensuring the closure remains concentric and maintaining the packaging's shape integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the water content of the spray mist from the spraying device to evaporate, leading to a cooling of the water content of the spray mist itself and its surroundings
Implementation Method 2
This cooling is caused by the extraction of the 'heat of vaporization' required for evaporation from the water content of the spray mist and its surroundings; this is therefore adiabatic cooling
Implementation Method 3
the heat exposure in the second functional unit causes condensation, in particular moisture precipitation, on the inner and/or outer surface of the packaging, especially in the upper area, due to the temperature difference that occurs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for producing packaging multi-packs from at least two packagings filled with a fluid level of liquid filling material according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for producing packaging multi-packs according to the preamble of claim 12. The substantial aspect of the system according to the invention for producing packaging multi-packs from at least two packagings filled with a liquid filling material is that the system has at least one spraying device and/or cooling device before the second functional unit in the transport direction, which spraying device and/or cooling device is provided for applying a spraying medium and/or cooling medium to the packagings at least in the upper region of the packagings.