Upper Sealing Tool Indentation for Skin Packaging Film Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper sealing tools for skin packaging require preheating and pre-stretching of the top film, leading to complex machinery and energy inefficiency, with issues of creases and overstretching.
Innovation Solution
A modular upper sealing tool with an indentation having a transition area and an inner area, allowing for even deformation and heating of the film without pre-stretching, featuring a convex and concave section design that prevents overstretching and creases, and is gas-permeable for negative pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the top film is preheated and pre-stretched using conventional sealing tools, then the film can be sealed effectively, but the machinery becomes complex and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines preheating, pre-stretching, and sealing functions into a single integrated upper sealing tool. The tool features a heated indentation that simultaneously applies thermal energy and mechanical deformation to the film, eliminating the need for separate preheating and pre-stretching devices. This merging of functions reduces machinery complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The indentation in the upper sealing tool is pre-configured with a specific geometric shape that performs preliminary forming of the dome structure during the sealing process itself. The heated surfaces of the indentation prepare the film by softening and stretching it into the desired shape, eliminating the need for separate preliminary actions and reducing overall process complexity.
2Reliability
If the top film is preheated and pre-stretched, then sealing can be achieved, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines preheating, pre-stretching, and sealing functions into a single integrated upper sealing tool. The tool features a heated indentation that simultaneously applies thermal energy and mechanical deformation to the film, eliminating the need for separate preheating and pre-stretching devices. This merging of functions reduces machinery complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The indentation in the upper sealing tool is pre-configured with a specific geometric shape that performs preliminary forming of the dome structure during the sealing process itself. The heated surfaces of the indentation prepare the film by softening and stretching it into the desired shape, eliminating the need for separate preliminary actions and reducing overall process complexity.
3Shape
If a deep indentation is used to form domes in cold film, then the film may tear or be locally overstretched
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sealing tool features a heated indentation with specifically engineered surface properties. The heating elements are distributed throughout the indentation surfaces, creating localized zones of softened film that can deform without tearing. The transition area between the inner and outer surfaces of the indentation is designed with gradual curvature changes to distribute stress evenly, preventing local overstretching while achieving the required dome depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a critical parameter to change the physical state of the film during deformation. By heating the film to its softening point within the indentation, the material becomes more ductile and resistant to tearing. The controlled thermal parameter change allows deep dome formation while maintaining film integrity throughout the process.
4Shape
If the transition area has sharp edges or kinks, then the indentation can be formed, but the film experiences overstretching and creases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sealing tool features a heated indentation with specifically engineered surface properties. The heating elements are distributed throughout the indentation surfaces, creating localized zones of softened film that can deform without tearing. The transition area between the inner and outer surfaces of the indentation is designed with gradual curvature changes to distribute stress evenly, preventing local overstretching while achieving the required dome depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a critical parameter to change the physical state of the film during deformation. By heating the film to its softening point within the indentation, the material becomes more ductile and resistant to tearing. The controlled thermal parameter change allows deep dome formation while maintaining film integrity throughout the process.
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 simpler packaging machines with reduced energy requirements, allowing for the formation of domes up to 100 mm in cold, unheated film without tearing, and can be retrofitted to existing machines, providing uniform stretching and improved seal quality.
Implementation Method 1
When deformed, the originally flat sheet of film rests against the contour of the indentation and is heated, in particular by heat conduction
Implementation Method 2
The upper sealing tool preferably has a large number of bores, particularly in the area of the indentation, and/or is made of a porous material, so that it is gas-permeable and a negative pressure can be generated through the upper sealing tool between the indentation and the upper film, which compresses the upper film into draws in the indentation and shapes it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an upper sealing tool comprising an edge area (21) and a recess with which the upper film web is formed and the recess comprises a transitional area (22) and an inner area (23). The transitional area is located between the edge area and the inner area. The invention also relates to a packaging machine and to a method for producing a skin packaging.