Multi-layer Packaging Machine Heated Sealing and Cutting Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines lack the capability to safely cut through central film webs in multi-layer film packaging, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage during the packaging process.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a forming station that creates a packaging trough in a film web, featuring a first sealing station with heated tools and a cutting mechanism, allowing for safe separation of the film web, and a second sealing station for complete closure, along with thermal insulation and vacuum chambers to prevent heat transfer and ensure precise control over sealing and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cutting blade is introduced to cut the central film web, then the film web can be separated, but the heat from sealing tools can cause unwanted heating and stretching of the film at the cutting location
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tool is divided into two distinct parts: a heated sealing area for joining film layers and a cooled cutting area for clean film separation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, preventing heat-induced film stretching while enabling effective cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thermal properties are applied to different locations of the sealing tool. The sealing portion is heated to facilitate film bonding, while the cutting portion is kept cool (even actively cooled) to prevent heat transfer to the film. This local differentiation of thermal characteristics resolves the contradiction between sealing and cutting requirements.
2Reliability
If the film web is heated for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the cutting blade may become ineffective or cause unwanted stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into heated and cooled zones, allowing simultaneous sealing and cutting operations with contrasting thermal requirements. The heated zone ensures reliable sealing while the cooled zone maintains cutting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting portion of the tool is pre-cooled or thermally isolated before the cutting action occurs. This preliminary cooling prevents heat from the sealing zone from affecting the cutting zone, ensuring the film remains at a temperature suitable for clean cutting.
3Reliability
If thermal insulation is added between heated and cutting parts, then heat transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed as separate heated and cooled segments with built-in thermal barriers between them. This segmentation inherently provides thermal insulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates both functions in a single tool head.
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
Enables the production of multi-layer film packaging with safe and precise cutting of central film webs, maintaining the integrity of the packaging and allowing for easy separation and resealing of individual layers, enhancing packaging efficiency and product protection.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of these tools, in particular the upper tool, has a heated section, for example, to seal the two film webs together
Implementation Method 2
cooling means for cooling the cutting blade and/or the area of the film web in the area of the cutting blade
Implementation Method 3
The packaging machine has a vacuum chamber in which the sealing and/or the cutting takes place
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaging machine comprising: - a forming station that forms a packaging recess into a film web, - a first inserter that fills the packaging recess with a first packaged item, and - a first sealing station that seals a film web to the film web in a first joining area and that comprises an upper tool and a lower tool, wherein at least one tool has a heated part and is provided with a cutting means.