Vacuum Chamber Sealing Bar Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum chamber machines for sealing bags face challenges in maintaining consistent sealing temperatures, leading to potential overheating and compromised seal quality due to fixed preheating times, which can be unsafe and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum chamber machine with a controller using a computing unit for mathematical integration to determine the heating time of the sealing strip based on electrical energy from previous sealing processes, eliminating the need for temperature sensors by calculating the heat input and adjusting heating times accordingly, and incorporating a voltage or current sensor for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed preheating time is used for the sealing strip, then the sealing process is simple to control, but the sealing temperature becomes inconsistent leading to potential overheating and compromised seal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed preheating time to a variable preheating time that adapts based on the thermal state of the sealing bar. The controller dynamically adjusts the preheating duration according to temperature measurements from thermocouples, allowing the system to respond to changing thermal conditions and maintain consistent sealing temperature while preserving ease of control through automated adjustment.
2Reliability
If a temperature sensor is installed on the sealing bar to monitor temperature, then sealing temperature consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermocouples as intermediary sensing elements that are integrated into the sealing bar structure. These thermocouples act as mediators between the heating element and the controller, providing temperature feedback without requiring complex external sensing systems. The thermocouples are strategically positioned to measure temperature at critical locations, enabling reliable temperature monitoring while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Productivity
If the sealing bar temperature increases due to repeated sealing processes, then the heating efficiency is maintained, but the sealing temperature becomes excessive without compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the sealing bar temperature using thermocouples and adjusting the preheating time accordingly. When the sealing bar temperature increases due to repeated sealing processes, the controller receives this feedback and automatically reduces the preheating duration to prevent excessive temperature buildup. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent sealing temperature while maintaining high productivity through uninterrupted sealing operations.
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 approach ensures a safe and reproducible sealing process by compensating for temperature increases and maintaining consistent sealing temperatures without sensors, enhancing the quality and safety of bag seals.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy introduced into the sealing bar by sealing processes that have already taken place... this electrical energy is proportional or even corresponding to heat introduced into the sealing bar via the sealing strip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum chamber machine (1) and to a method for sealing bags with a sealing bar (5), wherein the sealing bar (5) comprises an electrically conductive sealing strip (8), and wherein the vacuum chamber machine (1) has a control unit (9) that controls a heating device (10) for the sealing strip (8). The invention is characterized in that the control unit (9) is configured to specify a heating time for the sealing strip (8) depending on an electrical power (P) supplied to the sealing bar (5) by previously performed sealing processes.