Vapour Diffusion Device Superheating for Label Adhesion
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor diffusion devices for thermoshrinking labels on containers fail to completely eliminate condensate formation, leading to mildew and instability in stacked containers, and require complex and costly drying systems.
Innovation Solution
A vapor diffusion device with overheated and dry vapor, achieved by direct contact of vapor with immersion-type heat resistances, eliminating the need for a discharge duct and downstream drying systems, ensuring effective label adhesion and container stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heating means are installed in vapour diffusion devices to raise vapour temperature, then the degree of humidity of vapour is reduced and condensate formation is limited, but the heating means do not ensure complete elimination of condensate depositing on containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the vapor by introducing heating means (hot air tube or cylindrical resistance) within the vapor diffusion device. The vapor is heated to a temperature above its dew point, transforming it from a saturated state to a superheated state, which prevents condensate formation on containers during the thermoshrinking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heating medium (hot air or electric resistance) that transfers thermal energy to the vapor. This intermediary allows controlled heating of the vapor without direct contact between the heat source and the vapor path, enabling precise temperature control to eliminate condensate while maintaining vapor diffusion functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drying systems are installed downstream of the thermoshrinking tunnel to avoid condensate phenomena, then containers are obtained which are practically intact, but the constructive complexity and relative costs of the equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the vapor before it enters the thermoshrinking tunnel. By pre-heating the vapor to a superheated state within the diffusion device, the system prevents condensate formation at its source, eliminating the need for downstream drying systems and reducing overall equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful condensate formation problem from the system by modifying the vapor state upstream. By removing the condensate issue at the vapor generation stage through heating, the system eliminates the need for separate downstream drying equipment, simplifying the overall process line.
3Temperature
If heating means are installed in vapour diffusion devices, then vapour temperature is raised, but the construction complexity of the vapour diffusion devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the heating means (hot air tube or cylindrical resistance) to serve dual purposes: heating the vapor to prevent condensate formation and potentially assisting in the thermoshrinking process itself. This integrated approach raises vapor temperature while minimizing additional construction complexity.
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
Significantly reduces condensate formation, preventing mildew and improving container stability, while simplifying the device construction and eliminating the need for additional drying systems, resulting in a more economical and effective label application process.
Implementation Method 1
The heating means consist, for example, of a tube through which hot air passes, communicating with the interior of the shaped casing, or a cylindrical resistance, contained in a hollow body interposed between the shaped casing and the same resistance
Implementation Method 2
The vapour is diffused by a pair of devices, associated with the supporting structure, forming the above tunnel as they are opposite and facing one each other and at a distance from the conveyor belt. Each device comprises a shaped casing which, on the side wall, has a plurality of pass-through openings through which the vapour exits.
Implementation Method 3
Under certain temperature conditions, in fact, this material shrinks, favoring a perfect and correct adhesion to the containers.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A device (1) for the diffusion of vapour comprising a shaped casing (2), which, on the side wall (2a), has a plurality of first pass-through openings (3) through which heated vapour is discharged, a supply duct (4), associated with the shaped casing (2), for conveying the vapour to be overheated to the shaped casing (2) and heating means (5), situated inside the shaped casing (2), suitable for overheating the vapour. The supply duct (4) is equipped with an outlet mouth (4a) which communicates with the heating means (5) for introducing the vapour directly in contact with the heating means (5).