Automated Zip Closure Pressing System for Impurity-Free Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closeable packages with zip closures often fail to ensure proper sealing due to impurities, especially when packaging fine or viscous products, as the zip closure's straps must be completely free of impurities to interlock effectively, which is not guaranteed during production or transportation.
Innovation Solution
An automated closing system that simulates the movement of human fingers to interlock the zip closure's straps along their entire length, using a pressing element and a counteracting element to ensure complete interlocking, even in the presence of impurities, by sliding and translating along the package's interlocking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rigid bars are used to press the straps against each other during automated closing, then the closing process can be automated, but the interlocking of the plastic straps is not guaranteed to be perfect, especially in wide bags or with two packages side by side
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is divided into multiple independent pressing zones along the length of the zip closure. Each zone can apply pressure independently to ensure complete interlocking across the entire width of the bag, solving the problem of inadequate pressing in wide bags or multi-package configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element provides locally adapted pressure distribution along different sections of the zip closure. This ensures that each local area receives sufficient pressure for proper interlocking, regardless of the overall bag width or package arrangement, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the zip closure is left open during filling and storage, then the filling process is simpler, but fine or viscous products can enter the straps and prevent proper interlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The zip closure is pressed and sealed preliminarily during the filling process, immediately after the product is introduced. This preliminary action prevents fine or viscous products from entering the straps while maintaining the simplicity of the filling process, ensuring the zip closure remains functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element applies counteracting pressure to prevent product contamination of the straps during filling. By applying this preliminary anti-action, the system prevents the harmful effect of product ingress while keeping the filling process simple and efficient.
3Reliability
If the package is closed immediately after filling, then the zip closure remains clean and functional, but additional closing equipment and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The closing function is merged with the existing filling and sealing equipment. The pressing element is integrated into the package processing line, combining the closing operation with other manufacturing steps, thereby maintaining zip closure cleanliness without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element serves multiple functions: it closes the zip closure, ensures proper interlocking, and prevents product contamination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated closing equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and a method for closing, in an automated way, at least one package having a reversibly closeable interlocking element comprising a first complementary element and a second complementary element extending between two extremities. The system includes a pressing element, configured to press the first complementary element against the second complementary element by sliding between the two extremities, and a counteracting element, configured to stop the second complementary element when the pressing element presses the first complementary element against the second complementary element, in such a way that the first complementary element and the second complementary element interlock with each other along their entire length.