Packaging Machine Synchronization for Re-closable Strip Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines face issues with slippage and creases in re-closable packages due to differing properties and tensions between re-closable strips and film, leading to flaws in the final package.
Innovation Solution
The packaging machine synchronizes the forward movement speeds of the film tube, re-closable strip, and sealed re-closable strip, ensuring they move together without slippage by using separate driving assemblies for each component, maintaining consistent tension and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving assembly moves both the film tube and re-closable strip together, then the device complexity is reduced, but slippage and creases occur due to differing material properties and tensions
Solution Approach 1:
The driving system is segmented into separate driving assemblies: a first driving assembly (5) that moves only the film tube, and a second driving assembly (8) that moves only the re-closable strip (2.0). This segmentation allows independent control of each material's movement, preventing slippage and creases caused by differing material properties and tensions while maintaining precise alignment throughout the packaging process.
2Loss of energy
If the longitudinal sealing tool operates intermittently with securing rollers, then energy is saved when product supply is halted, but the film surface may be accidentally secured when the tool is separated
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal sealing tool (4) incorporates a control device that monitors the forward movement of the film tube and re-closable strip, and adjusts the heating elements' operation accordingly. When product supply is halted and the tube stops moving forward, the control device deactivates the heating elements to save energy. When movement is detected, the heating elements are activated to perform sealing, preventing accidental sealing when the tool is separated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the re-closable strip and film are moved at different speeds before sealing, then positioning flexibility is improved, but slippage occurs between the strip and film
Solution Approach 1:
The driving assemblies (5 and 8) are designed with variable speed control capabilities, allowing dynamic adjustment of movement speeds during different phases of the packaging process. The second driving assembly (8) can accelerate the re-closable strip (2.0) to match the speed of the film tube before sealing, ensuring precise alignment and preventing slippage, while still providing positioning flexibility during feed and positioning phases.
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 prevents slippage and creases, ensuring precise alignment and uniform movement of the re-closable strip and film, resulting in high-quality, re-closable packages without defects.
Implementation Method 1
Longitudinal sealing can be performed with different technologies, such as by heating or by ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
Longitudinal sealing can be performed with different technologies, such as by heating or by ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a machine for generating re-closable packages. According to one embodiment the machine includes a forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to a continuous film, a driving module that moves the film tube in a forward movement direction at a first forward movement speed, a longitudinal sealing tool for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated. The machine includes a first driving assembly for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a second forward movement speed, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result. The machine also includes a second driving assembly located upstream the longitudinal sealing tool and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a third forward movement speed, the first, second and third forward movement speeds being equal.