PTFE-Coated Conveyor Chain Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging machines for beverage containers experience significant energy loss and risk of film damage due to cyclic heating and cooling of conveyor belts, leading to inefficient energy use and potential film adherence issues.

Innovation Solution

A conveying device with a horizontal conveyor chain featuring a metal or fiber-based supporting structure coated with PTFE plastic, where the PTFE contact areas are at least 10% of the supporting structure's thickness, reducing thermal conductivity and heat storage capacity, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal conveyor chain is used in the shrink tunnel, then the packs can be reliably conveyed through the heating zone, but the conveyor chain absorbs thermal energy and releases it downstream, causing significant energy loss and requiring increased heat supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor chain reliabilityVSAvoidthermal energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor chain uses a composite structure combining metal supporting structures with PTFE plastic coatings. The metal provides mechanical strength and reliability, while the PTFE coating provides thermal insulation properties, reducing heat absorption and energy loss downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the conveyor chain by applying PTFE coating, which has lower thermal conductivity than metal. This modifies the heat transfer characteristics, reducing the amount of thermal energy absorbed and subsequently released, thereby decreasing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the conveyor chain is repeatedly heated and cooled, then it can operate continuously through the shrink tunnel, but heat stored in the conveyor chain may not be completely released, resulting in elevated temperatures that could exceed allowable contact temperature for the film packaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor chain continuous operationVSAvoidconveyor chain temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The PTFE-coated metal structure combines the thermal mass of metal for continuous operation with the thermal insulation properties of PTFE, which helps control temperature rise and prevents excessive heat accumulation that could damage the film packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The PTFE coating is applied specifically to the portions of the conveyor chain that contact the packs, providing localized thermal insulation where it is most needed to prevent film damage, while the rest of the metal structure maintains mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a PTFE coating is applied to the conveyor chain, then film adherence is prevented, but the coating thickness must be sufficient to provide thermal insulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm adherenceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a minimum PTFE coating thickness of 10% of the supporting structure thickness to ensure sufficient thermal insulation properties. This parameter optimization balances the need for preventing film adherence with the requirement for reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 results in a highly energy-saving operation by minimizing heat absorption and storage, reducing energy loss, and preventing film adherence, with potential energy savings of up to 15% and improved mechanical stability through the use of PTFE-coated conveyor belts.

Implementation Method 1

The contact areas of plastic have a thickness corresponding to at least 10% of the thickness of the supporting structure covered and/or coated therewith... allowing an energy-saving operation... minimizing heat absorption and storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The conveyor belt is used for transporting and simultaneously cooking the food. The conveyor belt consists of a PTFE-coated plastic belt. Again, the coating serves for preventing the food to be cooked from adhering to the conveyor belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-stick property of PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Data Source

PatentUS7966791B2Packaging machine for packs of beverage containers and related conveying device

Publication Date: 2011.06.28 KRONES AG

AI summary

A conveying device and a packaging machine for beverage containers are disclosed. The beverage containers are grouped as packs and wrapped with film, comprising a horizontal conveying device including an endlessly circulating conveyor chain whose movable members and/or meshes each have a supporting structure and contact areas for the packs and/or coatings that include significant portions of PTFE plastic. The contact areas of plastic have a thickness corresponding to at least 10% of the thickness of the supporting structure covered and/or coated therewith.