Packaging Evacuation via Deformable Bellows Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging processes face challenges in efficiently evacuating gas from packages before sealing, particularly due to the complexity and cost associated with vacuum systems, and the limitations of mechanical deflators which can cause uneven wear and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A packaging apparatus with an evacuation assembly featuring a deformable portion that compresses to reduce the internal volume of a chamber, allowing for efficient expulsion of gas from packages without the need for vacuum systems or direct contact with the product, using a bellows-type structure and flow regulators to manage pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum systems are used to evacuate gas from packages, then evacuation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the evacuation function from complex vacuum systems and implements it through a simple deformable chamber that compresses to expel gas. The deformable portion (bellows structure) is the only component needed, eliminating vacuum pumps, seals, and control systems while achieving effective gas evacuation before sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum system with a mechanical compression system. Instead of using vacuum pumps to create negative pressure, the deformable chamber is compressed mechanically to create positive pressure that forces gas out through the open end of the package, achieving evacuation through simple compression rather than vacuum generation.
2Productivity
If mechanical deflators are used to evacuate packages, then evacuation is achieved, but wear and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable chamber acts as an intermediary between the compression force and the package. The chamber compresses the package indirectly through its deformable walls rather than direct contact, reducing wear on the deflator components and minimizing contamination risk to the product while still achieving effective evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion is implemented as a flexible bellows structure that can compress and expand. This flexible shell allows the system to apply compression force through the deformation of the chamber itself rather than through rigid mechanical contact with the package, reducing wear and contamination while maintaining evacuation effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-shaped deflators are used for different product sizes, then evacuation precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable chamber is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different product sizes and package shapes. The bellows structure can expand and contract to adapt to various package dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple custom-shaped deflators while maintaining effective evacuation across different product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable chamber introduces dynamic adaptability to the evacuation system. Rather than using fixed, custom-shaped deflators for each product size, the bellows structure dynamically adjusts its shape and volume during compression, allowing a single device to effectively evacuate packages of varying sizes and configurations.
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 simplifies the packaging process, reduces wear and tear, prevents contamination, and accommodates various product sizes without the need for custom-shaped deflators, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second members being relatively movable between a first configuration, in which the first and second members are spaced apart from one another, a second configuration, in which the deformable portion contacts at least part of the second member and/or part of the tubular film which in use is resting against the second member, and a third configuration in which the deformable portion is compressed in a compression direction towards the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging apparatus includes a control unit, a loading station that positions a tubular film around a product to be packaged, a sealing station, a control unit that controls the sealing station to create one or more seals on the tubular film, an evacuation assembly that includes a first member and a second member arranged opposite the first member, and a means for moving the product relative to and from the evacuation assembly. The first member includes a deformable portion. The first and second members are relatively movable between: a first configuration, in which the first and second members are spaced apart from one another, a second configuration, in which the deformable portion contacts at least part of the second member and/or part of the tubular film, and a third configuration in which the deformable portion is compressed in a compression direction towards the second member.