Thermoforming Packaging Machine Intermediate Work Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoforming packaging machines are inefficient in separately evacuating and gas-flushing different product layers within a multi-layer pack, leading to difficulties in accessing and opening the various layers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermoforming packaging machine with intermediate work stations equipped with cutting and sealing devices allows for simultaneous cutting and resealing of evacuation and gas-flushing openings, reducing machine length and enabling targeted evacuation and gas-flushing of individual product layers, while providing corner cuts for easy access to each layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate work stations are used for cutting evacuation openings and for sealing around evacuation openings in multi-layer packaging, then each product layer can be evacuated and gas-flushed separately, but the machine length increases and the number of work stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting device for evacuation openings and the sealing device for evacuation openings into a single intermediate work station. This merging allows both functions to be performed at one location rather than requiring separate work stations, thereby reducing machine length while maintaining the capability to separately evacuate and gas-flush different product layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate work station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cutting station for evacuation openings and as a sealing station for those same openings. This universal work station handles multiple operations that would traditionally require separate specialized stations, reducing the overall number of work stations and machine length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple work stations are used for processing multi-layer packs, then each layer can be processed separately, but the complexity of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting function and sealing function into a single intermediate work station, reducing the total number of work stations from what would traditionally be required (separate cutting station plus separate sealing station) to a more compact configuration. This maintains the ability to process each layer separately while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate work station is designed as a universal station that performs multiple functions (cutting evacuation openings and sealing them) that would traditionally require separate specialized stations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of work stations needed while maintaining full processing capability for multi-layer packs.
3Reliability
If all films are sealed together without corner cuts, then the packaging is secure, but consumers have difficulty accessing and opening the different product layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by making corner cuts at specific locations on the multi-layer pack. These corner cuts create access points that allow consumers to easily separate and access different product layers without compromising the overall seal integrity of the packaging. The sealing is maintained along the edges while corners are selectively opened for accessibility.
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 configuration allows for efficient production of multi-layer packs with reduced machine length, enabling separate and targeted processing of each product layer, making it easier for consumers to access and open the layers without needing to fan apart foils.
Implementation Method 1
a forming station (2) for deep-drawing troughs (14) in a web of lower film (8)
Implementation Method 2
a cutting device for at least one evacuation and/or gassing opening
Implementation Method 3
a resealing device for partially sealing at least one evacuation and/or gassing opening
Implementation Method 4
The intermediate work station advantageously has a corner seal for sealing webs of film at a corner of the package
Implementation Method 5
Both product layers are evacuated and/or gassed together
Implementation Method 6
Both product layers are evacuated and/or gassed together
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermoforming packaging machine (1) for producing a multi-layer package (50), to methods for producing a multi-layer package (50) with three or four product layers, and to multi-layer packages (50) with three or four product layers. The thermoforming packaging machine (1) is characterized in that an intermediate work station (22, 26), which is arranged downstream of a forming station (2) and upstream of a sealing station (3) in the production direction, has both a cutting device for evacuation and/or gassing openings (30b, 30c) and a resealing device for applying a resealing (33, 36) to the evacuation and/or gassing openings (32, 35).