Packaging Machine Segmented Film for Incremental Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep-drawing packaging machines are complex and inefficient for packaging sliced hams, requiring multiple lines and processes, and do not allow for easy consumption of products one by one, as they maintain an airtight seal until fully opened.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine that forms a belt-shaped packaging film into a tubular bag with side and top sealing devices to create two separate product storage portions, allowing for easy opening and re-closure, using a re-closable adhesive to maintain airtightness and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deep-drawing packaging machine is used to package sliced hams with multiple films, then the products can be kept airtight, but the machine becomes longer in total length and more complex in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging film is divided into multiple functional layers (first packaging film, second packaging film, third packaging film) with distinct sealing functions. Each layer creates separate product storage portions, allowing independent opening and sealing operations. This segmentation enables the complex packaging function to be achieved through modular, sequential operations rather than a single complex sealing mechanism.
2Productivity
If multiple lines are used to supply sliced hams, then the packaging capacity is increased, but the machine structure becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The product supply is segmented into multiple groups (first product group, second product group, third product group) that are supplied sequentially along the conveyor direction. Each product group is packaged independently in separate storage portions, allowing the system to maintain high productivity through parallel processing of multiple product batches while keeping the operational logic simple and modular.
3Reliability
If the packaging machine seals all products in a single airtight package, then the products are protected from contamination, but the user cannot consume products incrementally without compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The package is segmented into multiple sealed storage portions (first, second, and third product storage portions) that can be independently opened. When a user opens one storage portion, the other portions remain sealed and airtight, enabling incremental consumption while maintaining product protection. Each storage portion functions as an independent sealed unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The second packaging film acts as an intermediary layer between the first and third packaging films. It creates intermediate sealed portions that facilitate the incremental opening mechanism. The second film's sealing and cutting functions enable the transition from a fully sealed state to a partially opened state while maintaining the integrity of remaining sealed portions.
4Productivity
If the packaging machine is designed to handle dual line product supply, then the production efficiency is improved, but the machine requires rearrangement processes that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system processes multiple product groups simultaneously in separate longitudinal sections of the packaging film. Each product group is handled in its own designated area, eliminating the need for complex rearrangement mechanisms. The segmented approach allows dual-line supply to feed directly into separate storage portions without requiring consolidation or repositioning operations.
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 easy, incremental consumption of products while maintaining freshness and compact packaging, reducing machine complexity and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a side sealing device disposed downstream of the bag making device, of sealing end parts, while leaving distal edges thereof respectively, of the folded both side end portions of the packaging film along a transporting direction
Implementation Method 2
a top sealing device disposed downstream of the side sealing device, of seal-cutting an area between the product groups arranged in front and behind with respect to the packaging film in a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2
AI summary
Both side end portions of a packaging film 4 are folded to sandwich products 2 in a state that end parts 4a thereof are positioned near a center of the packaging film. Each end part is sealed onto film part opposite thereto to form a first sealed portion 6. and two side edges adjacent to the end part are sealed to form second sealed portions 7. Two airtight spaces become product storage portions 10, 11, each surrounded with the first sealed portion, the two second sealed portions and a folded edge part 8. The products can be consumed by opening the product storage portions one by one. The first sealed portion is positioned away from a distal edge of the end part to form a non-sealed portion 12 between the first sealed portion and the distal edge. The product storage portion can be easily opened by pulling the non-sealed portion.