Vacuum Chamber Packaging Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging alignment methods require manual unfolding or alignment, which is inefficient and can lead to packaging collapse when pressure conditions change, making it difficult to open packaging safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device using a vacuum chamber to evacuate packaging, causing the gas inside to expand and align a folded flap, with a fixing mechanism to maintain the aligned position, allowing for easy mechanical opening and preventing collapse, and optional ventilation for disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual unfolding or alignment is used, then packaging can be opened, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging automatically aligns itself when placed in the vacuum chamber. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the package causes the folded flap to unfold and the packaging to assume its final aligned position without any manual intervention or additional mechanical alignment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter by creating a vacuum environment in the chamber. This pressure change causes the gas inside the packaging to expand, which automatically unfolds the folded flap and aligns the packaging for subsequent opening operations.
2Extent of automation
If packaging is evacuated to align flaps, then automatic alignment is achieved, but packaging may collapse when pressure conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The aligned packaging is fixed in its aligned position before leaving the vacuum chamber. The fixing means are activated during the vacuum phase to secure the packaging in its unfolded state, ensuring that when the chamber is vented and pressure equalizes, the packaging maintains its aligned configuration and does not collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing means act as a counteracting force against the tendency of the packaging to collapse when pressure conditions change. By mechanically securing the packaging in the aligned position during vacuum, the fixing means prevent the structural reversal that would occur due to pressure equalization.
3Reliability
If fixing means are added to maintain aligned position, then packaging stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means are integrated into the existing vacuum chamber structure rather than being separate additional components. The fixing mechanism uses the chamber walls and existing structural elements, extracting the fixing function from the overall system design to minimize added complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables automatic alignment of packaging without manual effort, maintaining the aligned state for safe and efficient opening, while ensuring sterility through filtered air and disinfection, especially in pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum chamber is then evacuated. This creates a negative pressure around the package, causing the gas within the package to expand and a folded flap of the package to fold out
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum chamber is then evacuated. This creates a negative pressure around the package
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for aligning a package are proposed, wherein the apparatus comprises the following: a vacuum chamber (32) in which a vacuum is created such that a package (10), which is located inside the vacuum chamber (32), unfolds, and at least one fixing means (22) which fixes the aligned package (10).