Removable Frame Sealing Machine for Versatile Container Formats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing machines for containers, particularly those used in vacuum packaging, face challenges in efficiently handling different types of containers and formats, requiring frequent tool changes and ergonomic improvements to facilitate versatile packaging operations.
Innovation Solution
A sealing machine with interchangeable bases and frames, allowing for thermal welding of various container types without changing the primary sealing tool, combined with a rotating barrel for tool selection and a vacuum system for airtight sealing, enabling the simultaneous sealing of multiple containers with adjustable height support for precise welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sealing machine uses fixed bases for specific container types, then the sealing precision for that container type is improved, but the adaptability to handle different container types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into a removable upper portion and a fixed lower portion. The removable upper portion can be exchanged to match different container types (trays, plates, bowls), while the fixed lower portion remains in the machine. This segmentation allows quick changes between container types without replacing the entire base, resolving the contradiction between sealing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed lower base portion serves as a universal foundation that can accommodate multiple container types through interchangeable upper portions. The lower base includes standardized features (ejection surfaces, support structures) that work with various container formats, enabling one machine to handle diverse packaging needs while maintaining consistent sealing quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine requires tool changes for different container types, then the sealing precision for each container type is optimized, but the productivity deteriorates due to frequent tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base into removable upper portions and a fixed lower portion, the system eliminates the need to change entire tools or fixtures when switching container types. Only the lightweight upper portion needs replacement, which can be quickly swapped during operation, thereby maintaining high packaging speed while ensuring optimal sealing precision for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable upper portions are pre-configured with specific geometries and sealing surfaces optimized for particular container types. These pre-adapted components can be quickly installed without requiring adjustment or calibration, allowing rapid transitions between container types while maintaining consistent sealing quality, thus preserving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the ejection member is positioned at a height suitable for retraction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to support various container heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base support system is segmented into a fixed lower base with a standardized ejection surface at a fixed height, and removable upper portions with adjustable or variable heights. The ejection member operates at a fixed low position that works with all container types, while the upper portions provide the necessary height variation, thus maintaining ease of operation and container height adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable upper portions can be designed with varying heights or adjustable support surfaces to accommodate different container heights. The ejection member maintains a fixed low position for consistent operation, while the dynamic configuration of the upper base portions adapts to specific container requirements, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and height versatility.
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 efficient and ergonomic sealing of diverse container types and formats, reducing tool change times and improving packaging speed and quality by allowing seamless transitions between different packaging sequences without altering the sealing tool, thus enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
thermal sealing of a film (14) onto the containers (12)
Implementation Method 2
vacuum sealing of the packaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing machine (10) for sealing by thermal welding a film (14) on containers (12) and a product (16) contained in each container (12).The machine (10) comprises: - an enclosure (28) having an upper bell (22) and a lower bell (20) arranged to be moved vertically relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, - an ejection device (34) for a container (12) mounted movably vertically relative to the lower bell (20) between a low position, called the retracted position, and a high position, called the ejection position, characterized in that the lower bell (20) has a removable frame (40) which delimits at least one receptacle (42) in which a base (44) is mounted, the base (44) being shaped to support the container (12), when the ejection device (34) is in the retracted position, and the base (44) having a bottom (46) having a window (48) allowing the passage of the ejection device (34).