Vacuum Packaging Machine Detachable Contrast Bar

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vacuum packaging machines face challenges in effective cleaning and sanitizing due to the non-removable contrast bars on the lid, which are prone to soiling from liquid and vapor deposition during the packaging process, making maintenance difficult and posing reliability and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum packaging machine with a detachable contrast bar using a quick coupling/uncoupling device, allowing for easy removal and reattachment, facilitating cleaning and maintenance, and featuring a profiled element with an elastically flexible contact body for sealing the vacuum bags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contrast bar is mounted on the lid in a non-removable manner, then the sealing function is reliable, but the cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing function reliabilityVSAvoidcleaning and sanitizing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contrast bar is divided into a removable component that can be separated from the lid, allowing the lid to be cleaned independently while maintaining the sealing function when assembled. The quick coupling device enables easy segmentation and reassembly without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contrast bar transitions from a static non-removable mounting to a dynamic removable mounting system. The quick coupling device allows the contrast bar to be easily attached and detached, providing flexibility for cleaning while maintaining sealing reliability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the contrast bar is integrated in the body of the lid, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of cleaning and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The contrast bar is segmented from the lid body, allowing it to be removed for cleaning while maintaining a simple overall structure. The quick coupling device provides a straightforward attachment mechanism that does not complicate the structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contrast bar is extracted as a separate removable component from the lid body, enabling easy cleaning and maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire lid structure. This extraction maintains structural simplicity while improving maintainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If the contrast bar is mounted with screws and adhesive elements, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the ease of removal for cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of removal for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a fixed permanent mounting to a dynamic removable mounting. The quick coupling device provides strong attachment during operation but enables easy removal for cleaning, combining strength with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contrast bar can be easily removed and reattached multiple times for cleaning purposes. The quick coupling device allows the contrast bar to be discarded from the lid for cleaning and then recovered by simple reattachment, facilitating maintenance without compromising attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

The machine provides improved cleaning and maintenance capabilities, ensuring reliability and safety while maintaining constructiveness and cost-effectiveness, as the detachable contrast bar allows for effective cleaning and easy operation.

Implementation Method 1

the heat-sealing bag is provided with an electric resistance heater and can move in the direction of the contrast bar, so as to be able to press the bag against the contrast bar, and allows to be able to seal it subsequently, by heat-sealing its sheets made of plastic material, as a consequence of the electric power supply of its electric resistance heater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric resistance heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

vacuum is created in the vacuum chamber by means of the activation of a vacuum pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

a profiled element with an elastically flexible contact body for sealing the vacuum bags

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3543153B1Machine for packaging food products in vacuum bags
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SALVARO MARZIANO
  • EP3543153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543153B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine (1) for packaging food products in vacuum bags, which comprises a base structure (2) with a vacuum chamber (3) formed therein which can be closed by means of a lid (4) and is designed to accommodate a bag for the vacuum packaging of food products; means for sealing the bag are furthermore provided which comprise a heat-sealing bar (5), associated with the base structure (2), and a contrast bar (6), associated with the lid (4); the contrast bar (6) is associated with the lid (4) detachably by means of at least one quick coupling/uncoupling device (7).