Retractable Gas Flush Lance for Food Packaging Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of a lance used for gas flushing in food packaging can cause issues such as jamming, leading to increased time and cost due to potential damage and the need for careful removal and repositioning, especially in high-speed packaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically retractable lance that can be selectively positioned relative to the packaging system, allowing it to be moved out of the way during packaging issues and easily repositioned back into operation, reducing the risk of damage and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lance is inserted into the packaging to flush ambient air, then the packaging effectiveness is improved, but the time to address packaging issues increases and the risk of lance damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lance is designed with a retractable mechanism that allows it to move between an extended position (for gas flushing) and a retracted position (for addressing packaging issues). This dynamic positioning enables the system to maintain packaging effectiveness during operation while allowing quick access to resolve jams or issues without time-consuming manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a lance is inserted into the packaging to flush ambient air, then the packaging effectiveness is improved, but the cost to replace a damaged lance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable lance design reduces the risk of damage by allowing the lance to be pulled back when packaging issues arise, preventing contact between the lance and packaging material that could cause bending or damage. This dynamic positioning protects the lance from damage, reducing replacement costs.
3Reliability
If a lance projects into the packaging material, then gas flushing is effective, but the wrapper handling becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lance can be dynamically positioned by retracting it when wrapper handling is needed. This allows the packaging material to be freely handled and adjusted without the lance obstructing the path, while the lance can be extended when gas flushing is required to maintain packaging effectiveness.
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 minimizes the time required to address packaging issues and reduces the likelihood of lance damage, enhancing the overall packaging process by allowing for easier handling of jams and reducing replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
An inert gas, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof, flows through the lance into the packaging, causing the ambient air within the packaging to be expelled prior to sealing the packaging
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system includes a first sealer and a gas flusher. The first sealer creates a first seal in packaging material along a direction of travel of the packaging material, thereby forming a packaging loop. The gas flusher flushes ambient air from the packaging loop and includes a mechanically retractable lance that can be selectively repositioned relative to the first sealer. When the mechanically retractable lance is in an operative position, the mechanically retractable lance projects into the packaging loop, with a gas flowing through the mechanically retractable lance into the packaging loop.