Sealing Fiber-Based Packaging Layers Using Moisture-Enhanced Deformability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sealing stacks of layers in fiber-based packaging materials, particularly for bag-shaped packaging, poses challenges due to the material's rigidity and limited deformability, which complicates the formation of stable connections at layer jumps and ends.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a moistening medium into the inner volume of the layers along a linear sealing area to enhance deformability, followed by sealing with a tool that compresses the layers under pressure, often with the influence of heat and vibrations, to create a cohesive connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If fiber-based packaging material is used for environmental compatibility, then environmental friendliness is improved, but deformability during sealing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoiddeformability during sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a moistening medium that alters the physical state of the fiber-based packaging material during sealing. The moisture content is increased temporarily to improve deformability, allowing the rigid fiber material to be shaped and sealed effectively, then the material returns to its original state after sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sealing is performed on layers with ends at sealing position, then complete sealing is improved, but material deformability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing completenessVSAvoidmaterial deformability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing the moistening medium into the inner volume of the layers before the sealing process begins. This pre-treatment softens the fiber material in advance, making it more deformable when the sealing jaws apply pressure, thereby enabling complete sealing even at challenging positions where layers end

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the moisture parameter of the fiber-based material temporarily during the sealing process. The increased moisture content reduces rigidity and enhances deformability, allowing the material to conform to the sealing jaws and achieve complete sealing at layer ends, then the material dries and returns to its original rigid state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly improves the ability to close spaces at layer jumps and ends, forming a stable and leak-proof seal that maintains the integrity of the packaging.

Implementation Method 1

introducing a moistening medium into the inner volume of at least one layer in the linear sealing region prior to sealing to assist deformability of the layers during sealing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

sealing the stack of layers with sealing jaws of a sealing tool, whereby permanent deformation of the layers occurs in the region of the end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4385719A1Method for sealing a stack of layers of a fibre-based packaging material
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 SYNTEGON TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP4385719A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385719A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4385719A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for sealing a stack (1) of layers (2) of a fiber-based packaging material along a linear sealing area (3), wherein the stack (1) of layers (2) has an end (5) of at least one layer (2) at at least one position (4) along the linear sealing area (3), comprising the following steps: a) introducing a moistening medium (6) into the internal volume (7) of at least one layer (2) in the linear sealing area (3) prior to sealing to assist deformability of the layers (2) during sealing; and b) sealing the stack (1) of layers (2) with sealing jaws (8) of a sealing tool (9), wherein permanent deformation of the layers (2) occurs in the region of the end (5).