Packaging Machine Combined Forming Sealing Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines for multi-layer film packaging do not have the capability to form the central film web, which complicates the packaging process and limits the flexibility of the packaging design.

Innovation Solution

A packaging machine with a combined forming and sealing station, where the upper and lower tools have means to shape and seal the central film web, allowing for the formation and peeling of the central film web from the lower web using heat and/or pressure, eliminating the need for a separate forming station and enabling reclosable packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate forming station is used to form the central film web, then the forming function is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforming capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the forming function and sealing function into a single forming-sealing station. The upper and lower tools are equipped with forming means (such as stamps or molds) that can shape the central film web while simultaneously sealing it to the lower film web. This integration eliminates the need for a separate forming station, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to form multi-layer film packaging with a central web.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the central film web is sealed firmly to the lower film web, then the sealing strength is improved, but the ease of opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing strengthVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different sealing qualities to different regions of the seal. The seal between the central film web and lower film web is designed to have sufficient strength to maintain package integrity during transport and handling, but with controlled adhesion properties that allow easy peeling or opening by the consumer. This can be achieved through selective heating zones, pressure control, or using sealant materials with appropriate tackiness that provide both strength and ease of opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Simplifies the packaging process by integrating forming and sealing functions, allowing for the creation of multi-layer film packs with a peelable central film web, enhancing packaging flexibility and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The upper and/or lower tool preferably has a heating zone in order to heat the central film web before shaping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The stamp can preferably be temperature-controlled, in particular heated or cooled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the stamp can be equipped with channels through which a residual air cushion can be sucked out with vacuum devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

the upper and/or lower tool has a compressed air supply in order to shape the central film web. With this gas supply, an overpressure can be generated in particular above the central film web, which presses the central film web in the direction of the lower film web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 5

The central film web is generally sealed to the lower film web under the action of heat and/or pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat sealing: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2788259B1Packaging machine with a combined shaping and sealing tool
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 GEA FOOD SOLUTIONS GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2788259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2788259B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2788259B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging machine (1) with a sealing station (4) which has an upper tool (8) and a lower tool (28) and which seals a film web (17) onto a lower film web (20). The upper and/or lower tool has means (for example 10) for shaping the film web. The invention further relates to a method for sealing a central film onto a lower film web.