Soft Packaging Closure Control with Content Sensing and Thermal Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pouches face challenges in controlling the timing of opening and closing, leading to potential leakage and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a control section that includes an acquisition section for time and content information, a sensing section for amount detection, and a closure section with thermal welding and folding mechanisms to manage pouch closure, along with failure avoidance and detection features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple pouch structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but control on timing for opening and closing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is equipped with a sensor that automatically detects the content amount and triggers closure when the content level reaches a predetermined threshold. The system performs self-monitoring and self-closure without requiring external control, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch incorporates a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the content amount and provides information to the control unit. When the content level drops below the threshold, the system receives feedback and automatically initiates the closure process, ensuring precise timing control while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Reliability
If automatic sensing and control mechanisms are added, then control on timing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch uses a self-service approach where the sensor and control unit work autonomously to detect content levels and initiate closure. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems, operators, or manual monitoring mechanisms, thereby achieving reliable timing control with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simple sensor-based detection mechanism and electronic control unit. This substitution allows for precise timing control through automated sensing and electronic actuation, reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages, levers, or manual operations.
3Reliability
If thermal welding mechanism is used for closure, then sealing reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal welding mechanism operates periodically only when the sensor detects that the content level has reached the predetermined threshold. Instead of continuous operation, the system applies heat briefly at the moment closure is needed, achieving reliable sealing while minimizing energy consumption through intermittent rather than continuous heating.
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 device effectively controls pouch closure based on time and content levels, preventing leakage and ensuring cleanliness by thermal welding and folding mechanisms, enhancing user convenience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The closure section may have a thermal welding mechanism configured to close the soft packaging container by thermal welding.
Implementation Method 2
The control section may include a sensing section configured to sense a content amount of the soft packaging container.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a closure device for closing a soft packaging container, the closure device including a holding section configured to hold a soft packaging container, a dispense section configured to dispense contents of the soft packaging container, a closure section configured to close the soft packaging container, and a control section configured to control timing for closing the soft packaging container by the closure section. The control section may include an acquisition section configured to acquire time information related to timing for closing the soft packaging container. Provided is a soft packaging container for accommodating contents, the soft packaging container including a main region for accommodating the contents, and an extension region provided by being extended from the main region.