Seal Wire Segmentation for Vertical Flow Wrapper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing wires for vertical flow wrappers are difficult to replace without disconnecting from the electrical power supply, and they lack efficient temperature control and quality assurance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sealing wire made from electrically conductive material, preferably metal, with regions of varying conductivity and coatings for targeted heating, integrated with a sealing tool and vertical flow wrapper that includes an electromagnet for induction heating and real-time energy transfer monitoring to ensure consistent sealing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sealing wire is directly connected to the electrical power supply, then the sealing wire can be heated efficiently for sealing, but the sealing wire becomes difficult to replace without disconnecting electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing wire is divided into a modular design where the sealing element can be separated from the electrical connection components. The sealing wire assembly is segmented into replaceable sealing portions and fixed electrical connection portions, allowing the sealing element to be replaced without disconnecting electrical plugs or contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary coupling mechanism is introduced between the sealing wire and the electrical power supply. This intermediary component serves as a mediator that maintains electrical connection while allowing easy replacement of the sealing element, eliminating the need to disconnect electrical plugs during replacement.
2Temperature
If the sealing wire has uniform electrical conductivity, then the electrical current distributes evenly, but the sealing region does not reach optimal temperature for efficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing wire is designed with non-uniform electrical conductivity, where the sealing region has different conductivity properties compared to the non-sealing regions. This local variation in conductivity ensures that the sealing region generates sufficient heat to reach optimal sealing temperature while other regions remain cooler.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductivity parameter of the sealing wire is deliberately changed along its length. The sealing portion has modified conductivity (either higher or lower depending on the design) to control the heat generation and temperature distribution, ensuring optimal sealing temperature is achieved at the sealing region.
3Ease of operation
If the sealing wire is made as a single continuous piece, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the sealing wire cannot be easily replaced without disconnecting electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing wire assembly is segmented into replaceable and non-replaceable portions. The sealing element is made as a separate module that can be easily replaced, while the electrical connection components remain fixed and maintain reliable electrical connection throughout the service life of the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection components are pre-assembled and permanently fixed to ensure reliable electrical connection. The sealing element is designed to be preliminarily connected in a simple manner that allows for easy replacement without affecting the pre-established reliable electrical connection infrastructure.
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 easy replacement of sealing wires without electrical disconnection, precise temperature control, and real-time quality assurance of seals, improving operational efficiency and packaging consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical flow wrapper and a process for adjusting the temperature of a sealing wire... an electromagnet for induction heating
Implementation Method 2
The sealing wires are known from the state of the art and are e.g. utilized to apply a cross-seal to a tube of packaging material... These sealing wires are heated and preferably pressed against a plastic film
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a seal wire (1), particularly for a vertical flow wrapper made from an electrically conductive material. The preset invention further relates to a sealing tool, a vertical flow wrapper and a process for adjusting the temperature of a sealing wire (1).