Stepped End Formation on Flexible Tubes via Segmented Slitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating a stepped end on a tube of flexible material to form a closed bag are inefficient, as they rely on perforation lines suitable for flat webs of film, which are not applicable to tubes, limiting high-speed manufacturing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that slit and trim the tube to create a stepped end by forming slits beside panels, trimming the panels and gussets to specific lengths, and applying adhesive material to seal the folded tube, eliminating the need for perforation lines and enabling high-speed production of closed bag ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If perforation lines are used to create stepped ends on flat webs of film, then the stepped end can be formed, but the method is not applicable to tubes and limits high-speed manufacturing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into separate sections by making slits at specific locations. The slits create distinct segments (first panel, side gussets, second panel) that can be independently trimmed to different lengths, enabling stepped end formation on tubular structures rather than requiring flat web perforation
Solution Approach 2:
The slits are formed and trimming is performed on the tube before the final sealing operation. This preliminary preparation of the stepped configuration allows the tube to be ready for high-speed sealing without requiring post-formation adjustments or perforation operations
2Productivity
If a continuous tube is manufactured at high production speed without perforation lines, then productivity is improved, but the tube cannot be easily converted to a stepped end configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous tube is segmented by forming slits that create separable sections. This segmentation is achieved during high-speed tube formation, allowing the tube to maintain continuity during manufacturing while enabling subsequent stepped end configuration through controlled separation at slit locations
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure is made dynamically configurable through the slit formation process. The slits allow the tube to transition from a continuous state during high-speed manufacturing to a segmented stepped configuration when needed, providing flexibility without compromising production speed
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 the efficient and high-speed manufacturing of closed bag ends on tubes without perforation lines, allowing for seamless integration with existing tube production processes and enhancing production speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
applying adhesive material on the tube above and below a fold line across the tube, wherein the tube is adapted to be folded along the fold line, and the adhesive material is adapted to form an adhesive to adhesive seal above and below the fold line
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for making a stepped end on a tube of flexible material includes a tube slitting station having a slitting tool with double edge slitting to provide respective slits beside a first panel and beside a second panel, respectively; a first trimming station trimming a first panel of the tube to a first shortened length, a second trimming station trimming the side gussets to a second length, wherein the second length is longer than the first shortened length; and an adhesive applying station applying adhesive on the tube above and below a fold line across the tube, wherein the tube is adapted to be folded along the fold line, and the adhesive material is adapted to form an adhesive to adhesive seal above and below the fold line.