Packaging Machine Perforation Unit for Gas Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines that use tightly sealed films for packaging foods like fruits and vegetables are inadequate as they fail to maintain a constant oxygen level and remove undesirable gases like carbon dioxide and ethylene, leading to reduced shelf life, and require multiple types of perforated films for different products.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine equipped with a mechanically working perforation unit using a perforation roller or adjustable perforation tool to create selectively permeable cover films, allowing for flexible control of perforation size, shape, and arrangement, enabling the same film to be used for both tight and permeable sealing without changing the film supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tightly sealed films are used for packaging, then packaging integrity is improved, but gas exchange is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous perforated films that allow controlled gas exchange while maintaining packaging integrity. The film contains numerous small perforations that enable oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through, preventing harmful gas accumulation while keeping the package sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements different film types for different packaging requirements. Perforated films are used specifically for products requiring gas exchange (like fresh produce), while non-perforated films are used for products requiring tight sealing, allowing local optimization of packaging properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of perforated films are used for different products, then product-specific packaging requirements are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal film supply system where a single film roll can serve multiple packaging needs. The perforated film is designed with adjustable parameters (perforation size, density, pattern) that can be adapted to different product requirements without changing the fundamental film supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability in the perforation process, allowing the perforation pattern and density to be modified during operation based on the specific product being packaged. This enables one film system to adapt to multiple packaging scenarios.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If perforated films are used for gas exchange, then shelf life is improved, but packaging integrity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses perforated films with controlled pore structures that maintain mechanical integrity while enabling gas exchange. The perforations are designed to be sufficient for respiratory gas exchange but small and distributed in a pattern that preserves the film's structural strength and sealing capability.
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 allows for improved gas exchange, maintaining a desired oxygen level and removing carbon dioxide and ethylene, thereby extending the shelf life of packaged foods, and simplifies the process by eliminating the need for multiple film types and easy conversion between sealing modes.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanically working perforation unit comprising a perforation roller is provided for perforating the cover film
Implementation Method 2
The perforation is applied in the film area that is arranged in the area of the packaged goods when the packaging is closed and sealed, i.e. in the case of tray sealing machines or so-called thermoforming machines above the packaging cavities
Data Source
AI summary
The machine has a unit for attaching a cover film (8) to a packing tray (5) that is filled with goods. A perforation unit (12) perforates the cover film before connection with the packing tray. A positionable perforation tool is provided with a controllable positioning unit e.g. robot, where the size and form of the perforation tool can be varied. A cleaning unit cleans the perforated cover film.