Packaging Drying via Angled Contact Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for drying filled and sealed composite packaging are energy-intensive and can damage the packaging or its decoration due to excessive heat exposure, particularly when trying to dry the 'ears' of the packaging which are attached to a horizontal surface prone to condensation.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a conveyor belt with cells for packaging and a drying facility equipped with contact elements having angled, moveable, and temperature-controllable contact surfaces made from materials like elastomers or thermoplastics, which wipe off moisture from the packaging surfaces, allowing for safe and energy-efficient drying adjacent to sensitive areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hot air drying is used to remove moisture from packaging surfaces, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and packaging damage risk worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal field (hot air) with a mechanical field (wiping contact elements). The contact elements mechanically remove moisture through direct contact and wiping motion, eliminating the need for energy-intensive hot air generation while achieving effective drying of packaging surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact elements serve as intermediaries between the packaging surface and the drying process. These elements transfer moisture from the packaging surface to be removed, enabling effective drying without direct application of hot air that could damage the packaging or its decoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hot air drying is used to remove moisture from packaging surfaces, then drying effectiveness is improved, but packaging damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidpackaging damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the thermal action of hot air with mechanical wiping action. The contact elements physically remove moisture through contact and motion, avoiding thermal stress that could damage the packaging material or its decorative coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of moisture (which needs to be removed) into a beneficial wiping action. The contact elements are designed to effectively capture and remove moisture through their mechanical motion, turning the drying requirement into a controlled mechanical process that protects the packaging.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Strength

If contact-free drying methods are used, then packaging integrity is maintained, but moisture removal effectiveness worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging integrityVSAvoidmoisture removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between contact-free and direct contact methods. They briefly contact the packaging surface to remove moisture, then retract, providing effective drying while minimizing continuous contact that could damage the packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact elements are designed with dynamic motion capabilities, moving into contact with the packaging surface only when needed for moisture removal, then retracting. This dynamic approach allows effective drying while maintaining packaging integrity through controlled, intermittent contact rather than continuous contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables damage-free and energy-saving drying of packaging, protecting both the packaging and its contents from thermal stress, while effectively removing moisture from complex surface geometries, including the 'ears', without the need for hot air, thus preserving the packaging's integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the contact surface wipes off or strips moisture from the packaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary Action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10759549B2Device and method for the drying of packaging

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 SIG SERVICES AG

AI summary

Shown and described is a device for the drying of packaging, in particular composite packaging for foodstuffs, including: a conveyor belt with cells for receiving the packaging, and at least one drying facility for drying the packaging. In order to achieve particularly efficient drying of the packaging, it is envisaged that the drying facility has at least one contact element with at least one contact surface. Also shown and described are the use of such a device for the drying of packaging filled with foodstuffs, method for drying packaging, and a packaging for foodstuffs.