Rigid Frame Attachment in Continuous Flexible Bag Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing preformed flexible plastic packaging bags lack a rigid frame, limiting their structural integrity and functionality, especially when made from a single continuous plastic film.

Innovation Solution

A process that integrates a rigid frame into preformed flexible plastic bags by continuously folding and welding the plastic film to form a bag with a bottom and walls, then attaching the frame at the filling opening or bottom, using a triangular configuration to secure it internally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid frame is added to a pre-formed flexible plastic bag, then structural integrity and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method incorporates the rigid frame attachment step during the continuous bag forming process, before the bag is completed and packaged. The frame is positioned and secured while the bag structure is still being formed, eliminating the need for separate post-formation assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the frame attachment operation with the continuous bag forming process. Multiple operations (folding, welding, and frame attachment) are merged into a single continuous manufacturing flow, where the frame is attached to the bag as it is being formed from the plastic film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a rigid frame is attached during continuous bag formation, then structural support is enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The method maintains continuous production by integrating frame attachment into the ongoing bag forming process. The plastic film is continuously folded and welded to form bags, and the rigid frame is attached during this continuous flow without interrupting the production line or requiring batch processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct but continuous operations: film folding, welding to form bag structure, and frame attachment. Each operation is performed in sequence on the continuously moving film, allowing the process to maintain flow while incorporating multiple functional steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the plastic film is continuously folded and welded to form a bag with rigid frame, then productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidfolding and welding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid frame serves as an intermediary structural element that is attached to the flexible plastic bag during formation. The frame provides a rigid framework that supports the flexible material, helping to maintain the bag's shape and structural integrity during the continuous folding and welding process, thereby reducing precision requirements for the plastic film manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3250465B1Method of manufacturing a bag with a rigid frame
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 COVERIS FLEXIBLES FRANCE
  • EP3250465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3250465B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a preformed bag (1) which is manufactured continuously from a film of flexible plastic material, in particular PET/PE, with a thickness of less than 200 microns, in order to form a front wall (1a) and a rear wall (1b) assembled at the lateral sides thereof, optionally in combination with gussets (1e) and (1d), a bottom (1e) and a filling opening (1f). A portion of the bag (1) has arrangements for fastening a rigid frame (2), capable of defining an opening communicating with the inside of the bag, said frame being provided with a sealing means (2a).