Packaging Machine Airtight Wrapper Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for smoking articles fail to produce a stable, airtight wrapper that effectively preserves the aromatic qualities of tobacco while being easy to handle and aesthetically pleasing, with previous methods being unsatisfactory in terms of structural assembly, wrapping, and sealing.

Innovation Solution

A packaging machine that forms a structured assembly using a U-shaped reinforcement insert and a heat-weldable wrapping sheet, which is then folded and sealed to create an airtight wrapper with a temporarily accessible aperture, utilizing dedicated units for assembly, wrapping, and welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealed internal wrapper is produced to preserve aromatic qualities, then the preservation of tobacco qualities is improved, but the complexity of the packaging structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreservation of aromatic qualitiesVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure is divided into distinct functional components: a reinforcement insert for structural support, a wrapping sheet for sealing and preservation, and a structured assembly for organizing smoking articles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for preserving aromatic qualities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging utilizes composite material construction combining a reinforcement insert (cardboard or similar rigid material) with a wrapping sheet (heat-weldable material). This composite approach provides both structural integrity and airtight sealing capabilities, achieving reliable preservation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a structured assembly with reinforcement insert is created, then the stability and positioning of smoking articles is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, defines the lateral containing walls of the organized group, and creates support and abutment edges for positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the wrapping sheet is folded and welded to create an airtight wrapper, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidwrapping and sealing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping sheet is pre-formed with specific folds and configurations before the welding process. This preliminary preparation of the wrapping sheet structure simplifies the subsequent welding operation and ensures consistent sealing effectiveness, as the sheet is already positioned and shaped to achieve the desired airtight seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If an aperture is provided for accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the airtightness of the wrapper is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to smoking articlesVSAvoidairtightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture in the wrapping sheet is designed to be dynamically controllable - it can be opened for accessibility to smoking articles and closed to maintain airtightness. This dynamic feature allows the packaging to transition between different functional states (access vs. preservation) without compromising the airtight seal when closed.

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 provides a stable, airtight, and aesthetically pleasing wrapper that preserves the aromatic qualities of smoking articles, ensuring easy handling and accessibility, while addressing the shortcomings of previous methods by ensuring a secure and efficient sealing process.

Implementation Method 1

a heat-weldable wrapping sheet, which is then folded and sealed to create an airtight wrapper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS11427360B2Packaging machine

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

AI summary

A packaging machine to make an airtight wrapper includes a wrapping sheet wrapped airtight around a structured assembly consisting of an organized group of smoking articles associated with a reinforcement insert. The reinforcement insert includes, in working sequence on one or more cyclical conveyor devices of the wheel or carousel type, a structured assembly formation unit, a combination unit suitable to combine the structured assembly with said wrapping sheet, a wrapping sheet work unit and a welding unit.