Vacuum Bag Positioning via Infrared and Fluorescence Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum packaging methods face challenges in accurately positioning and sealing bags with irregular shapes or protrusions, such as bone-in meat products, which can lead to film punctures and inefficient packaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing infrared and fluorescence sensing to detect the trailing edges of products and patches within bags, allowing for precise control of bag advancement and heat sealing, ensuring accurate positioning and sealing between the product and the bag mouth, including patches with fluorescent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vacuum packaging methods are used for bone-in meat products, then the packaging process is simple, but film punctures occur due to protruding bones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the trailing edge of the product and the trailing edge of the patch before the sealing operation. The infrared sensing apparatus detects the product trailing edge, and the fluorescence sensing apparatus detects the patch trailing edge, allowing the system to pre-position the bag mouth at the correct location before heat sealing occurs, thereby preventing film punctures from protruding bones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with optical and fluorescent sensing systems. Instead of using mechanical guides or fixtures to position the bag, the system uses infrared radiation detection to locate the product trailing edge and fluorescence detection to locate the patch trailing edge, enabling precise positioning without complex mechanical structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning methods are used for bag sealing, then the equipment is simple, but positioning accuracy is poor leading to inconsistent sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical positioning with automated optical sensing systems. The infrared sensing apparatus uses infrared radiation to detect the product trailing edge position, and the fluorescence sensing apparatus uses fluorescent detection to locate the patch trailing edge. This substitution enables precise positioning accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in the fluorescent material of the patch to enable detection. The fluorescent material emits fluorescence when excited by the fluorescence sensing apparatus, creating a detectable signal that indicates the patch trailing edge position. This optical property change allows for precise positioning without complex mechanical measurement systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bag is advanced without precise detection, then the process is fast, but sealing consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using the infrared sensing apparatus to detect the product trailing edge position and the fluorescence sensing apparatus to detect the patch trailing edge position. This detection information is fed back to control the advancement of the bag, ensuring that the bag mouth is positioned correctly relative to both the product and patch trailing edges before sealing. This feedback mechanism maintains sealing consistency while preserving packaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement and positioning methods with optical sensing and electronic control. The infrared and fluorescence sensing systems provide rapid, non-contact detection of trailing edge positions, enabling precise sealing position control without slowing down the packaging process. This substitution maintains productivity while achieving consistent sealing quality.
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 enhances packaging efficiency by preventing film punctures and ensuring consistent sealing, even with irregularly shaped products, thereby improving the quality and reliability of vacuum packaging.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a trailing edge of the product inside the loaded bag by interrogating, through the loaded bag, infrared radiation emitted from the first radiation source, using the infrared sensing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
detecting a trailing edge of the patch by interrogating fluorescence emitted by the patch using the fluorescence sensing apparatus, wherein radiation emitted by the second radiation source excites the fluorescent material
Implementation Method 3
closing the loaded bag by heat sealing the loaded bag, using the heat seal assembly, so that a heat seal is applied between the trailing edge of the product and the bag mouth and between the trailing edge of the patch and the bag mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning and sealing a bag in a vacuum chamber, includes detecting a trailing edge of a product in the bag, detecting a trailing edge of a patch adhered to the bag, controlling advancement of the bag, and closing the bag. A bag positioning apparatus includes an infrared sensing apparatus, a fluorescence sensing apparatus, and a controller. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes adhering a first patch to film stock, detecting a position of the first patch, aligning a second patch with the first patch, and adhering the second patch to the film stock. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes detecting an edge of a patch adhered to film stock, forming a seal across the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch, and severing the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch.