Segmented Suction Element for Wrinkle-Free Film Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sealing containers with film struggle to introduce protective gases or apply a vacuum to partially sealed containers without causing film creases or mechanical damage, which can compromise the seal's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a suction element formed from two variable components, an inner die with a vacuum line and a circumferential wall ring, allows for targeted gas introduction or vacuum application without mechanical engagement, ensuring the film is lifted and sealed gas-tight without wrinkles, using a planar contact surface and adjustable positioning to maintain large-area coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction element is used to lift the film for gas introduction or vacuum application, then gas exchange and sealing are enabled, but the film may be mechanically engaged causing creases and wrinkles that compromise seal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The suction element is divided into two separate components: an inner die and an outer ring. This segmentation allows the inner die to apply suction to lift the film while the outer ring provides structural support and distributes contact pressure, preventing localized mechanical damage and creases that would compromise seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner die acts as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the film. By using the inner die to apply suction through its bottom surface, the system can lift the film without direct mechanical engagement from the outer ring, thereby preventing creases and wrinkles while maintaining seal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction element applies vacuum to lift the film, then gas introduction is enabled, but the film may be pulled away from the container edge causing sealing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the suction process by applying vacuum through the inner die to lift the film only when needed for gas introduction, then releasing the suction to allow the film to return to its sealed position at the container edge. This dynamic control ensures the film is lifted for gas exchange but returns to maintain sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is lifted from the container edge before gas introduction begins. This preliminary action separates the lifting function from the sealing function, allowing the film to be raised for gas exchange while maintaining the sealed state at the container edge, thus preventing sealing issues.
3Device complexity
If a single-component suction element is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot provide both film lifting and structural support without mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The suction element is segmented into an inner die and an outer ring component. This segmentation allows the inner die to provide suction for film lifting while the outer ring provides structural support, achieving both functions without mechanical engagement that would compromise seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-component suction element structure provides multiple functions: the inner die performs suction and film lifting, while the outer ring provides structural support and distributes contact pressure. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple two-part design that maintains film seal integrity.
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 effective gas exchange and sealing of containers by preventing film creases and mechanical damage, ensuring a secure and intact seal while allowing for the introduction of protective gases or vacuum removal of vapors, maintaining the food's quality and freshness.
Implementation Method 1
a suction element (8) formed from two components, a first component (10) being an inner die with a connected vacuum line (9)
Implementation Method 2
The inner die (10) has a planar contact surface. The section of the film (5) to be lifted also lies flat against this planar contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for sealing containers with at least one film, comprising a lower tool with holding fixtures for the containers and an upper tool for sealing the film onto the container's edges, the upper tool is provided with at least one suction element for lifting the film section by section. The suction element is formed from two components that can be repositioned relative to each other: a first component is an inner punch with an attached vacuum line, and a second component is a wall ring that surrounds the first component at least section by section. This device enables the introduction of a protective gas or the creation of a vacuum in a container that is already partially sealed with a film.