Sealing Temperature Compensation for Consistent Packaging Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing devices suffer from fluctuations in sealing quality due to temperature differences between temperature sensors and the sealing surface, which are not directly measured, leading to inconsistent seam quality.

Innovation Solution

A control unit adjusts a correction parameter influencing the setpoint temperature of the heating unit based on the operation state of the sealing unit, using a leaky integrator equation or model to compensate for temperature differences and ensure precise temperature adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If temperature sensors are arranged at a distance from the sealing surface due to mechanical constraints, then the sealing device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but temperature difference occurs between measurement and sealing surface leading to sealing quality fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangementVSAvoidsealing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously receives temperature signals from the sensor and dynamically adjusts the setpoint temperature of the heating unit based on the detected temperature at the sealing surface. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the spatial offset between sensor and sealing surface, maintaining consistent sealing temperature despite the distance arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the setpoint temperature parameter of the heating unit based on the detected sealing surface temperature and operational state. By adjusting this parameter in real-time, the system compensates for temperature differences caused by sensor placement distance, ensuring consistent sealing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing unit operates in different modes (sealing mode and idle state), then the sealing device is more versatile and adaptable, but temperature difference varies between modes causing sealing quality fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation modeVSAvoidsealing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adapts the setpoint temperature based on the operational state of the sealing unit. Different dynamic adjustment strategies are applied for sealing mode versus idle state, allowing the system to maintain optimal sealing temperature despite mode transitions and varying thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the operational state and uses feedback from the temperature sensor to adjust the heating unit's setpoint temperature accordingly. This ensures that temperature compensation is actively managed during sealing operations while preventing unnecessary heating during idle states, maintaining consistent sealing quality across different modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If automatic adjustment of correction parameter is implemented based on operation state, then sealing temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing temperatureVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically determines the operational state of the sealing unit and self-adjusts the setpoint temperature without external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the overall control architecture by integrating state detection and temperature adjustment functions within a single control unit, reducing the need for additional complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves consistent and high-quality sealing by automatically adjusting the sealing temperature, minimizing inferior seams and enhancing sealing precision.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating unit for generating heat for the at least one sealing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

temperature difference will occur between the temperature measurement with the temperature sensor and the sealing surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4371742B1Sealing device, packaging machine and method for operating a sealing device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SYNTEGON PACKAGING SOLUTIONS BV
  • EP4371742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4371742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4371742B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention is based on a sealing device (10a; 10b) for sealing a package or a packaging material (12b), comprising: at least one sealing unit (14a; 14b); at least one heating unit (16a; 16b) for generating heat for the at least one sealing unit (14a; 14b); and a control unit (18a) for controlling at least the heating unit (16a; 16b). It is proposed, that the control unit (18a) is configured to automatically adjust a value of a correction parameter that influences the setpoint temperature of the heating unit (16a; 16b) depending on an operation state of the sealing unit (14a; 14b).