Packaging Machine Sealing Tool with Independent Gas Control Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines struggle to individually control gas exchange during the sealing process of multiple packaging trays, leading to inconsistent gas atmospheres within the packages, which can cause issues with lightweight or loose products like low-fat sausage slices moving or flying away.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a sealing station featuring a sealing tool connected to a vacuum and/or gas source, equipped with adjustable valves that regulate gas flow through multiple openings, ensuring precise control over the gas exchange for each packaging tray, preventing products from moving or flying away by maintaining a consistent gas atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gas exchange is performed without individual control for each packaging tray, then the sealing process is simple and fast, but the gas atmosphere becomes inconsistent causing product movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tool is divided into multiple independent sealing zones, each with its own opening and valve. This segmentation allows individual control of gas exchange for each packaging tray while maintaining overall system efficiency. Each zone can be independently adjusted to achieve consistent gas atmosphere across all trays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable valves that enable dynamic control of gas flow rates for each sealing zone. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the gas exchange process to be optimized for different packaging requirements while maintaining consistency across all trays processed in parallel.
2Productivity
If multiple packaging trays are sealed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but individual gas exchange control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tool features multiple independently controllable sealing zones arranged to process multiple packaging trays simultaneously. Each zone has its own gas control valve, enabling parallel processing with individualized gas exchange control for each tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously perform sealing and gas exchange operations on multiple packaging trays. The integrated design allows one tool to handle both sealing and atmospheric control functions across multiple zones.
3Reliability
If gas flow is not regulated, then the sealing process is fast and simple, but lightweight products move or fly away
Solution Approach 1:
Each sealing zone is equipped with individually adjustable valves that provide localized control of gas flow. This local quality adjustment allows precise regulation of gas exchange for each packaging tray, preventing product movement by optimizing the gas atmosphere in each specific zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of gas flow parameters (flow rate, pressure, timing) for each sealing zone through the valve mechanism. By changing these parameters, the gas exchange process can be optimized to maintain product stability without causing movement or displacement of lightweight items.
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
The solution allows for precise control of gas exchange, maintaining a consistent atmosphere within packages and preventing product movement or loss, enhancing the sealing process efficiency and product stability.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source with which air present between the two film webs can be sucked out
Implementation Method 2
an exchange gas source with which an exchange gas can be blown in between the two film webs
Implementation Method 3
at least one valve being provided in the sealing means with which the gas flow at the opening can be adjusted
Implementation Method 4
The top film is sealed to the bottom film under the influence of heat and pressure with a sealing agent
Implementation Method 5
The top film is sealed to the bottom film under the influence of heat and pressure with a sealing agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaging machine comprising a sealing station which uses a sealing means to join an upper film web to a lower film web by sealing, said sealing means having at least one opening which is connected to a vacuum source and/or a source of substitute gas. The present invention also relates to a sealing frame.