Sterile Packaging Machine Second Longitudinal Welding Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for packaging products in sterile flexible packages fail to ensure complete decontamination of the longitudinal welds, leading to potential contamination of the product by non-decontaminated parts.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates second longitudinal welding means positioned downstream of the first longitudinal welding means to create a second weld at the marginal end volume of the semi-closed chamber, effectively isolating any non-decontaminated parts from the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one longitudinal weld is performed continuously around the nozzle, then the packaging process is simple and efficient, but the weld zone is not decontaminated and may expose non-decontaminated parts to the product
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous longitudinal weld is divided into two separate welds: a first longitudinal weld that continuously joins sheets around the nozzle, and a second longitudinal weld that joins portions of the internal surface at the marginal end volume. This segmentation allows the first weld to maintain packaging efficiency while the second weld specifically addresses the decontamination concern by isolating potential non-decontaminated zones from the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The second longitudinal welding means is positioned downstream of the first welding means and performs welding at the marginal end volume before the package is filled with product. This preliminary action ensures that any potential non-decontaminated parts are isolated from the product before contamination can occur, thereby ensuring sterilization completeness without compromising packaging efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the longitudinal weld zone is not decontaminated, then the welding process remains simple, but defects in the welds expose non-decontaminated parts directly in contact with the product
Solution Approach 1:
The second longitudinal weld acts as an intermediary barrier between the first longitudinal weld (and its potential non-decontaminated zones) and the product. By positioning the second weld at the marginal end volume, it creates an intermediate protective layer that isolates any defective or non-decontaminated parts from direct contact with the product, thereby reducing contamination risk without significantly increasing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second longitudinal weld creates a disposable protective barrier at the marginal end volume that can be easily formed and discarded with the package. This simple, inexpensive welding addition provides effective protection against contamination without requiring complex decontamination systems or extensive process modifications.
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
This solution ensures that non-decontaminated parts are no longer in direct contact with the product, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring the sterilization of the package even in the presence of defects in the longitudinal welds.
Implementation Method 1
second longitudinal welding means disposed downstream of the first longitudinal welding means with reference to the direction of advance, to make at least a second longitudinal welding that joins together at least two portions of said internal surface
Implementation Method 2
a further duct for the delivery of a sterilizing gas
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for packaging a product into flexible packages and which comprises one or more forming and filling units for forming and filling the packages; each forming and filling unit extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises at least one nozzle, feed means configured to make advance along the longitudinal axis a tubular casing of the material with which to make the packages and having an internal surface facing the nozzle, first longitudinal welding means for joining together at least two sides of the tubular casing and second longitudinal welding means, disposed downstream of said first longitudinal welding means, and configured to join together at least two portions of the internal surface of the tubular casing in a marginal end volume.