Reciprocating Seal Jaws for Vertical Flow-Wrappers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical flow-wrappers face challenges in improving productivity and reliability, particularly in the cross-sealing process which affects the efficiency and consistency of package formation.
Innovation Solution
The vertical flow-wrapper incorporates a cross-sealing mechanism with seal jaws and a jaw closing mechanism that reciprocate between upper and lower vertical positions, driven by a reciprocation motor. A torque transfer means connects the closing motor to the jaw closing mechanism, allowing independent operation and decoupling the vertical movement of the seal jaws from the closing motor's position adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal jaws and jaw closing mechanism are coupled to the reciprocation system, then the sealing position varies with vertical movement, but this causes inconsistent sealing pressure and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional modules: the reciprocation system (moving seal jaws vertically) and the closing motor system (controlling jaw opening/closing). This segmentation allows each module to perform its function independently without interference, ensuring consistent sealing pressure while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A torque transfer means acts as an intermediary between the closing motor and the jaw closing mechanism. This intermediary component transfers rotational torque from the stationary closing motor to the moving jaw closing mechanism without creating a direct mechanical coupling that would transmit vertical movement to the motor, thus decoupling the two systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the closing motor moves with the seal jaws during reciprocation, then the motor position changes continuously, but this increases energy consumption and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The closing motor is extracted from the moving assembly and fixed to the stationary frame. This removes the motor from the reciprocating motion, eliminating the energy consumption and vibration associated with continuously adjusting motor position, while the torque transfer means ensures the motor's rotational output remains effectively coupled to the jaw mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the closing motor and jaw mechanism is transferred from the vertical reciprocation dimension to the rotational dimension. The torque transfer means converts the linear reciprocation motion into a rotational relationship, allowing the motor to operate in its optimal rotational domain without being affected by vertical position changes.
3Productivity
If the seal jaws reciprocate vertically for cross-sealing, then packaging productivity increases, but the coupling with the closing mechanism causes position instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic independence where the seal jaws are free to reciprocate vertically without being mechanically constrained by the closing motor. The torque transfer means provides a flexible rotational coupling that accommodates vertical motion while maintaining precise rotational control for jaw opening and closing actions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a vertical flow-wrapper comprising: - a frame, - a web feed, which, preferably continuously, feeds a web to a form-shoulder and a form-fill tube, which form the web into a web-tube, - longitudinal sealing-means to seal the longitudinal edges of the web tube together and - cross sealing means to provide a cross-seal to the web tube to produce individual packages, wherein the cross sealing means comprises seal jaws, a motor and a jaw closing mechanism provided between the motor and the seal jaws and wherein optionally the seal jaws and the jaw closing mechanism reciprocate between an upper and a lower vertical position.