Ultrasonic Sealing Gap Control via Electrical Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic packaging material processing devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent sealing gap, especially under temperature fluctuations, which affects the quality of the sealed seam.

Innovation Solution

The device regulates the sealing gap using electrical variables from a generator control system, eliminating the need for additional sensors and ensuring parallel alignment of sealing rollers through touch detection and adjustable mechanisms, allowing for precise control of the sealing gap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors and complex regulation systems are used to maintain sealing gap, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing gap measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator control system automatically regulates the sealing gap by utilizing its own electrical output variables (power, frequency) as feedback signals. The system self-adjusts the sonotrode position via the adjustment device without requiring external sensors or separate measurement systems, making the regulation system serve itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The generator control system performs multiple functions: it generates ultrasonic energy for sealing, measures the sealing gap through electrical variable monitoring, and automatically adjusts the sonotrode position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement and control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate force sensors are used to measure sealing gap, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing gap measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator control system automatically regulates the sealing gap by utilizing its own electrical output variables (power, frequency) as feedback signals. The system self-adjusts the sonotrode position via the adjustment device without requiring external sensors or separate measurement systems, making the regulation system serve itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical force sensors with an electrical measurement approach. By monitoring electrical variables (power, frequency) from the generator that are directly influenced by the sealing gap, the system substitutes mechanical measurement with electrical field-based measurement, simplifying the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If touch detection is used to detect sealing roller contact, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing roller contact detection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator control system automatically regulates the sealing gap by utilizing its own electrical output variables (power, frequency) as feedback signals. The system self-adjusts the sonotrode position via the adjustment device without requiring external sensors or separate measurement systems, making the regulation system serve itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical variables (power, frequency) from the generator act as intermediaries that indirectly indicate the sealing gap status. Instead of directly measuring physical distance or force, the system uses these electrical parameters as mediators to infer gap conditions and trigger appropriate adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach maintains a uniform sealing gap, ensuring consistent seam quality and reliability across temperature variations without requiring separate force sensors, and allows for automatic adjustment of the sealing rollers.

Implementation Method 1

a generator (70) which makes high-frequency electrical energy available to a converter (74) for generating mechanical ultrasonic vibrations, which in turn acts on the sonotrode (10) accordingly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2416941B1Device and method for processing a packing material using ultrasound
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2416941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2416941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2416941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device and a method is proposed whereupon the device for processing a packing material using ultrasound comprises the following elements: at least one sonotrode (10), at least one anvil (12), whereupon a gap is constructed between sonotrode (10) and anvil (12) through which the packing material can be passed for the purpose of ultrasonically sealing a packing material, at least one adjustment means (50) that adjusts the gap (s) between sonotrode (10) and anvil (12), at least one generator (70) that changes an input voltage into an output voltage, which a converter (74) transforms into mechanical oscillations in order to generate ultrasonic oscillations on the sonotrode (10), whereupon a regulation device and/or control device (78) is arranged to regulate or control the gap (s) between sonotrode (10) and anvil (12) depending on at least one electric variable (P,E,R) that acts on the sonotrode (10).