Packaging Device Sixth Panel Bending Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing packaging and filling device faces challenges in bending the sixth panel of a paper container, as the polyethylene layer on the inside and outside surfaces can adhere to and deposit on the bending member, and the bent portion may not provide sufficient length to protect the side surface, making it difficult to secure the packaging material effectively.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a making bendable means to outwardly bend the sixth panel, allowing it to be easily formed into a cylindrical shape, using a sector piece on a rotary roller to position and bend the panel accurately, and a mandrel with a heating station and bending claws to secure the bend, ensuring the panel can be bent without adhering to the bending member and providing sufficient length to protect the side surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the sixth panel is bent with a bending member after heating to melt and soften the polyethylene layer, then the panel can be bent, but the polyethylene adheres to and deposits on the bending member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending of sixth panelVSAvoidpolyethylene residue on bending member
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sixth panel is bent outward to make it bendable before the heating step, rather than bending it after heating. This preliminary bending action prevents the polyethylene from adhering to the bending member, as the panel is already in the desired bent configuration before the polyethylene softens and becomes sticky.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of polyethylene adhesion into a benefit by performing the bending operation at a stage where the polyethylene is not yet softened. The timing of the bending operation is strategically chosen to avoid the adhesive problem while still achieving the necessary panel deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Length of stationary object

If the width of the sixth panel is increased to ensure sufficient length for protecting the side surface, then the protection length is sufficient, but the panel cannot be sufficiently bent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective length of bent portionVSAvoidbendability of sixth panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sixth panel is bent outward in advance before heating, which enables panels of various widths to be effectively bent. By performing the bending operation when the polyethylene is still solid and not adhesive, even wider panels can achieve sufficient bendability, thereby providing adequate protective length for the side surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the sixth panel is bent after heating to melt and soften the polyethylene layer, then the panel becomes more pliable, but the bent part cannot sufficiently secure the length necessary to protect the side surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepliability of sixth panelVSAvoidprotective length of bent portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bending operation is performed before heating to melt and soften the polyethylene layer. This preliminary bending ensures that the sixth panel achieves the necessary protective length for the side surfaces, and the subsequent heating step then provides the pliability needed for the panel to maintain its bent configuration and conform to the container shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for the accurate bending of the sixth panel, ensuring a secure and hermetically sealed container bottom, preventing polyethylene residue adherence and ensuring the bent portion provides adequate protection to the side surfaces, enhancing the packaging process's efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

heating to melt and soften the thermoplastic resinous layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating to melt and soften the thermoplastic resinous layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

a making foldable means which bends the sixth panel (6) outward to make the sixth panel (6) foldable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

pressing the part-to-be-hermetically sealed to hermetically seal the top opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal pressing: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3015371B1Packaging and filling device
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP3015371B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(E)
  • EP3015371B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~3(D)
  • EP3015371B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a packaging and filling device, a paper container, and a blank in which it is possible to put a sixth panel in a readily foldable state prior to a step for forming a bottom part, and obtain a sufficient length in the folded portion necessary for protecting the end surface of a packaging material. For a blank for a paper container which is formed by a packaging and filling device and which has a top part, a bottom part, and a cylindrical body having four side walls and a square cross-section, the packaging and filling device comprise a loading means for retrieving the blank and loading a cylindrical blank, a bottom-part-molding means for molding the bottom part of the cylindrical blank to obtain a container, a filling means for filling the container with liquid food from an upper opening, and an upper-part-sealing means for heat-sealing the upper opening.