Vacuum Sensor Lid Closure Detection in Packaging Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a switch to detect the closure of the lid in vacuum packing machines increases the cost and complexity of the machines, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue without adding additional components.
Innovation Solution
A detection method that utilizes a vacuum sensor connected to the vat to monitor pressure changes, determining lid closure based on a pressure increase followed by a decrease, eliminating the need for a switch and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch is used to detect lid closure, then lid detection function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the switch component from the system and extracts the lid detection function to be performed by the existing vacuum sensor. The vacuum sensor monitors pressure changes in the vat that occur when the lid is closed, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical or electromagnetic switch and its associated mounting, wiring, and control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum sensor is given a dual function: it continues to monitor vacuum levels during the packaging process while also detecting lid closure events. By analyzing pressure changes that occur when the lid is closed, the same sensor performs both vacuum monitoring and lid detection, reducing component count and system complexity.
2Reliability
If a switch is used to detect lid closure, then lid detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sensor performs dual functions: monitoring vacuum levels during packaging and detecting lid closure through pressure change analysis. This eliminates the need for a separate switch component, reducing part count, assembly steps, and overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable lid detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch component is completely removed from the system. The lid detection capability is extracted from a dedicated component and implemented through software analysis of pressure data already being collected by the vacuum sensor, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If a switch is used to detect lid closure, then lid detection function is achieved, but number of movable parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical switch and its movable components are completely removed. Lid closure detection is achieved through pressure sensing in the sealed vat, converting a mechanical detection problem into a pneumatic measurement task that requires no movable detection parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical switch system is replaced with a pneumatic sensing system. Instead of using mechanical contacts or magnetic fields to detect lid position, the system uses pressure changes in the sealed vat atmosphere to infer lid closure, substituting mechanical detection with pneumatic measurement.
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 method reduces costs, enhances reliability, and simplifies assembly by eliminating movable parts, while ensuring accurate detection of lid closure for initiating the vacuum cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum sensor connected with the vat, which detects a pressure value in the vat, such that it is determined that the lid is closed depending on said pressure value detected by the vacuum sensor
Implementation Method 2
The packer then extracts air from the hood by means of a vacuum pump until reaching the level desired by the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a detection system for detecting the actuation of a lid (2) in vacuum packing machines, the vacuum packing machine comprising a vat (1) which is closed by means of a lid (2), said lid (2) comprising a sealing gasket (3), wherein the detection system comprises a vacuum sensor (8) connected with the vat (1), which detects a pressure value in the vat (1), such that it is determined that the lid (2) is closed depending on said pressure value detected by the vacuum sensor (8). The main advantage of the present invention is a reduction in costs, greater ease of assembly and a higher reliability as movable parts are eliminated.