Vacuum Packaging Tray With Movable Portion For Air Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum packaging methods often compromise the structure and cost-effectiveness of packaging systems, requiring elaborate modifications and not efficiently removing air without affecting the appearance or quality of the packaged product.
Innovation Solution
A tray and packaging process using a paper or plastic material tray with a movable portion and a multi-layer film for efficient air removal, where the tray is made with a gas barrier coating and a heat sealable layer, and the film is cross-linked for improved strength and resistance, allowing for effective vacuum sealing without compromising the product's integrity or increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional vacuum packaging methods are used, then air can be removed from the package, but the structure and function of the packaging system are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion, where the movable portion can be displaced to create an access passage for air removal. This segmentation allows the tray to maintain its structural integrity while enabling efficient air extraction through the movable component's displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the tray is designed to be displacable between a first position (maintaining structural closure) and a second position (creating air access). This dynamic element allows the tray to transition between maintaining structural integrity and enabling air removal, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Loss of energy
If elaborate modifications are made to packaging systems, then air removal can be improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air removal function is merged with the tray structure itself through the movable portion mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate, elaborate air removal apparatuses and valve means, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective air extraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the tray is designed to be easily displaced by the packaging apparatus to create air access passages. This self-service mechanism allows the tray itself to facilitate air removal without requiring complex external valve systems or additional components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard packaging systems are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but air removal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable portion provides a dynamic solution that can be easily integrated into standard packaging systems. The tray remains simple in its basic structure but gains enhanced air removal capability through the easily displacable movable portion, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving air extraction efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If air is removed from the package, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the appearance and quality of the product may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into fixed and movable portions, allowing air to be removed through the movable portion's displacement rather than compromising the entire package structure. This localized approach enables vacuum sealing while preserving the appearance and quality of the product through the fixed portion's intact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion is pre-positioned in a first state that maintains product appearance and quality. When air removal is needed, the movable portion is displaced to a second state to create air access passages. This preliminary positioning ensures that the product appearance is maintained until air extraction is required, preventing premature compromise of product 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
The solution enables efficient air removal from packages while maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the product, being cost-effective and easily integratable into standard packaging systems, thus enhancing the vacuum packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
heating the film to a temperature at which the film can be deformed and welded to the tray
Implementation Method 2
the air present inside the package, is extracted so that the thermoplastic film can adhere to the product disposed inside the support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention refers to a tray for containing a product (P), said tray (1) comprising: a base (2), a lateral wall (3) emerging from the base (2) to define a containing seat adapted to receive the product (P). The lateral wall (3) comprises at least one movable portion (7) configurable between a first stable position, wherein the movable portion (7) is placed in continuity with respect to the lateral wall (3), and a second stable position, wherein the movable portion (7) protrudes from the lateral wall (3) and defines an access (8) passing through the lateral wall (3) itself. Moreover, the present invention refers to a process and an associated apparatus of making said tray (1). Further, the present invention refers to a vacuum package using the above described tray and to a plastic film sealingly applied on the tray and closing the access (8), and also to a process and a packaging apparatus for making said package.