Squeezable Container Strip Welding for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable material dispensing containers face challenges with delayed or incomplete dispensing due to housing material and geometrical configurations, which require refined squeezing actions and can lead to material displacement away from the opening.
Innovation Solution
A container manufacturing system that includes internal and outer support members to position and weld a strip along the collapsible housing, using various welding techniques such as ultrasonic, hot jaw, high-frequency, and hot air sealing to create a permanent bond, ensuring controlled dispensing of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing is made deformable to enable material dispensing, then material can be extruded through squeezing, but the housing returns to original configuration delaying subsequent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change shape. The collapsible housing is designed to deform during squeezing and then return to its original configuration, enabling repeated dispensing cycles. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the housing to be both deformable for dispensing and capable of resetting for subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material properties are modified to achieve the desired deformability and recovery characteristics. By selecting materials with specific elastic properties and designing the housing geometry appropriately, the housing can be squeezed to extrude material and then return to its original shape, eliminating dispensing delays.
2Productivity
If the housing geometry is optimized for material flow, then dispensing efficiency improves, but material may be displaced away from the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The housing geometry is designed with different local characteristics - the section near the opening has specific dimensional relationships (opening width between 0.04-0.12 times housing length) that control material flow direction. This local geometric optimization ensures material is directed toward the opening rather than being displaced away, resolving the contradiction between dispensing efficiency and material control.
3Reliability
If the strip is permanently attached to the housing, then controlled dispensing is ensured, but the welding process may cause housing collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with preliminary structural considerations that prevent collapse during the welding process. The housing geometry and material selection account for the thermal and mechanical stresses of welding, ensuring the housing maintains its shape and does not collapse while the strip is being permanently attached. This preliminary design consideration resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable strip attachment and maintaining housing 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
The system enables controlled and efficient dispensing of materials by preventing housing collapse during welding and ensuring a secure attachment of the strip to the housing, improving the precision and effectiveness of material extrusion.
Implementation Method 1
the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface using high-frequency vibrations
Implementation Method 2
the welding elements are configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using the heating element or elements to partially melt the strip and the wall of the housing
Implementation Method 3
the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using a high-frequency alternating current provided by the welding element to provide current to a conductive (e.g., a metal foil) layer inside a strip and/or inside a wall of the housing to melt surrounding material of the strip or the housing
Implementation Method 4
the welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using the high-temperature air circulating in or otherwise delivered by the air pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein for a method of attaching a strip to a housing. An internal support member is inserted into a collapsible housing, such that it is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an inner surface of the collapsible housing. An outer support member is arranged along an outer surface the collapsible housing opposite the internal support member. A strip is positioned along the outer surface using the outer support member and the internal support member. Then the strip is permanently welded to the outer surface using a welding element. Welding is performed by a welding element located in one (or both) of the internal support member or the outer support member.