Suction Sealing Profile for Uniform Overlap Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for suction sealing of overlap seams in packaging machines fail to achieve high quality and reproducibility at short cycle times, particularly for heat-sensitive products.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that vary heat energy input per mm² along the overlap seam by adjusting parameters such as contact time, heat energy input, suction pressure, and sealing capability, using a sealing strip with zones of different heat energy inputs and suction strengths to ensure a uniform seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform heat sealing is applied along the entire overlap seam, then sealing consistency is improved, but heat-sensitive products suffer from thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different heat energy inputs at different locations along the overlap seam. Specifically, higher heat energy input per mm² is applied to end areas where multiple layers overlap, while lower heat energy input is applied to intermediate areas. This local differentiation achieves consistent sealing quality across the entire seam while preventing thermal damage to heat-sensitive products in the intermediate regions.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher heat energy input is applied to achieve reliable sealing, then sealing quality is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates higher heat energy input only at the end areas of the overlap seam where multiple layers require more energy for reliable sealing, while using lower heat energy input in the intermediate areas. This localized approach achieves reliable sealing quality where needed without unnecessarily extending cycle time across the entire seam length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heat energy selectively - using higher heat energy input per mm² only at the end areas (partial action) rather than uniformly across the entire overlap seam. This excessive heat input at critical locations ensures reliable sealing without the time penalty of applying high heat energy throughout the entire seam.
3Reliability
If higher suction pressure is used to lift packaging blank, then sealing reliability is improved, but product deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies higher suction pressure only at the end areas of the overlap seam where the packaging blank needs to be lifted for sealing, while using lower suction pressure in the intermediate areas. This localized suction application ensures reliable sealing at critical locations without causing excessive deformation to the product in the intermediate regions.
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
Achieves a uniform and reproducible seal at high speed, preventing thermal damage to heat-sensitive products by optimizing heat transfer and suction characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
fixing the overlap seam by means of a suction sealing device by drawing at least one region or regions of the overlap seam onto a contact side of the suction sealing device
Implementation Method 2
at least in the lifted state of the edge regions, heat energy is introduced by means of the suction sealing device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for suction sealing of an overlap seam when packaging sensitive, in particular heat-sensitive, products. The method comprises the following steps: encasing the product with a sealable packaging material blank, wherein an overlap seam is created by folding an inner side of a first edge region onto an outer side of a second edge region of the packaging material, and fixing the overlap seam by means of a suction sealing device by drawing one or more regions of the overlap seam onto a contact side of the suction sealing device.such that the first and second edge areas of the packaging blank are lifted from the product in the area of the overlap seam, wherein, at least in the lifted state of the edge areas, heat energy is introduced by means of the suction sealing device such that a heat energy profile exists along the longitudinal axis of the overlap seam, in which, along the longitudinal axis, at least one sealing parameter is set differently in at least one area of the overlap seam than in relation to at least one other area of the overlap seam, wherein the at least one sealing parameter is selected from the following group comprising (a) to (d): (a) the contact time of the packaging blank with the respective associated heat-introducing area of the suction sealing device, (b) the heat energy input per mm², (c) the suction pressure, and (d) the sealing capacity of the packaging blank.The invention also relates to a suction sealing device for heat sealing an overlap seam.