WO2007064599A1 - Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production - Google Patents

Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007064599A1
WO2007064599A1 PCT/US2006/045433 US2006045433W WO2007064599A1 WO 2007064599 A1 WO2007064599 A1 WO 2007064599A1 US 2006045433 W US2006045433 W US 2006045433W WO 2007064599 A1 WO2007064599 A1 WO 2007064599A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
package
sample
parameter values
parameter
value
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/045433
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Essam Saad Wahbah
Kevin Burke Miller
Original Assignee
Nestec S.A.
Novartis Pharma Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nestec S.A., Novartis Pharma Gmbh filed Critical Nestec S.A.
Priority to AU2006320741A priority Critical patent/AU2006320741A1/en
Priority to EP06838418A priority patent/EP1966048A1/fr
Priority to BRPI0619180-0A priority patent/BRPI0619180A2/pt
Publication of WO2007064599A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007064599A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/82—Testing the joint
    • B29C65/8207—Testing the joint by mechanical methods
    • B29C65/8246—Pressure tests, e.g. hydrostatic pressure tests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
    • B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
    • B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91411—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the parts to be joined, e.g. the joining process taking the temperature of the parts to be joined into account
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91441—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature the temperature being non-constant over time
    • B29C66/91443—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature the temperature being non-constant over time following a temperature-time profile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
    • B29C66/91641—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time
    • B29C66/91643—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time following a heat-time profile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
    • B29C66/91651—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux by controlling or regulating the heat generated by Joule heating or induction heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
    • B29C66/924—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools by controlling or regulating the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3604—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3656—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being a layer of a multilayer part to be joined, e.g. for joining plastic-metal laminates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3672—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3676—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the composition of the elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being metallic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/82—Testing the joint
    • B29C65/8207—Testing the joint by mechanical methods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/82—Testing the joint
    • B29C65/8207—Testing the joint by mechanical methods
    • B29C65/8223—Peel tests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/82—Testing the joint
    • B29C65/8253—Testing the joint by the use of waves or particle radiation, e.g. visual examination, scanning electron microscopy, or X-rays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
    • B29C66/7232—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer
    • B29C66/72321—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer consisting of metals or their alloys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/95—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94
    • B29C66/959—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 characterised by specific values or ranges of said specific variables
    • B29C66/9592—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 characterised by specific values or ranges of said specific variables in explicit relation to another variable, e.g. X-Y diagrams
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to systems and methods for conducting limited- volume validation or "bench” testing of product packaging to evaluate its suitability for use in a production packaging process.
  • Many current packaging processes employ induction heating to close an opening in a container, for example, by heating a sealing membrane, usually containing foil and disposed over the opening, using induction heating to thereby fuse the sealing membrane to a periphery of the container proximate to the opening.
  • a pressure is applied directly to the sealing membrane during induction heating; in other instances, for example, when the sealing membrane is disposed between a threaded cap and the mouth of a container, the pressure is indirectly applied to sealing membrane via a capping torque applied to the threaded cap.
  • the induction sealing process is often problematic in that many variables can potentially interfere with the sealing process, producing, for example, a package characterized by an inadequate seal between the sealing membrane and the container, or an insufficient burst strength, or an inconsistent peeling force for "easy-peel” applications.
  • the operating ranges for each of the variables needs to be minimized. Examples of these variables are: temperature, pressure, dwell time, bottle finish variability, cap variability, product contamination on neck finish, and thread inconsistency in bottle or cap.
  • known “cappers” for applying the desired capping torque to the threaded cap are often inconsistent in their torque application, further increasing the production variability of induction sealing processes which rely upon capping torque for indirect pressure on the sealing membrane.
  • a method for evaluating the suitability of a package for use in a production packaging process includes determining a minimum and maximum value for one or more parameters, and preferably for at least two parameters defining at least one process step of the production packaging process, whereby the minimum and maximum values for a given parameter are representative of a range of production variability for the parameter.
  • the method also includes generating discrete sets of parameter values including unique combinations of the maximum and minimum values and, preferably, at least one additional set of parameter values using a nominal value for each parameter.
  • the method according to the invention also includes performing the process steps on a plurality of sample packages using the sets of parameter values at suitable laboratory stations, i.e., stations featuring highly repeatable and accurate performance of such process steps.
  • the process steps are performed on at least two sample packages, and most preferably on several sample packages, using each set of parameter values.
  • the method further includes evaluating each processed sample package to determine at least one characteristic of each processed sample package.
  • evaluating each processed sample package to determine at least one characteristic of each processed sample package.
  • the invention contemplates determining any suitable characteristic by which the performance of the package can be evaluated (including its suitability to the intended application of the packaged product)
  • an exemplary method for practicing the invention for packages that include a container whose opening is covered with an airtight sealing membrane, the method generates values characterizing the resulting package's leak test performance, burst-strength test performance, and package appearance.
  • the method further includes recording, as a data set for each sample package, a value representative of each evaluated characteristic and the parameter values used to process the sample package; and analyzing the recorded data sets. While the invention contemplates any suitable analysis of the data set, by which to confirm the suitability of using the new packaging, in an exemplary method, the recorded data sets are compared to a control data set, for example, to determine which packaging is characterized by less leakage and a higher burst strength
  • a system for testing a package for use in a production packaging process that includes process steps defined by a plurality of process parameters, at least two of which have minimum, nominal, and maximum values.
  • the system includes at least one processing station for performing the process steps defined by the process parameters on a sample package using a set of parameter values, for example, by which a sealing membrane or other suitable closure member is attached to a container.
  • the system further includes an evaluation station for generating at least one value characterizing each processed sample package selected from the group consisting of a sealing-membrane peel strength value, a package leak test value, a package burst strength value, and a value correlated with a visual attribute of the package.
  • the system further includes a controller in communication with the at least one processing station and the evaluation station, wherein the controller is arranged to
  • the system's controller is further arranged to generate an output characterizing the recorded data sets, perhaps by performing one or more statistical operations on the recorded data sets.
  • the system's controller is further preferably arranged to generate a unique sample identifier, for example, a unique reference number, for each sample package to be process by the system.
  • the controller provides the unique sample identifier for use at a labeling station, where sample packages are labeled with either or both of the unique sample identifier and its given set of parameter values, most preferably before the sample package is processed at the processing station.
  • the system's controller is also preferably further arranged to receive information from the labeling station, the processing station, and the evaluation station, with which to track the progress of a given sample package through the system, perhaps as aided by machine-readable indicia imprinted on the package at the labeling station.
  • the first process parameter is representative of a pressure achieved by pressing the sealing membrane against a periphery of the container opening, specifically, a torque value to be achieved when tightening the cap onto the container at a first process station.
  • the second and third process parameters are, respectively, the induction energy level and dwell time used to heat the sealing membrane at a second processing station (after the sealing membrane is compressed by capping torque against the container).
  • the system's controller generates sets of the parameter values, for example, a first set including the minimum values for tightening torque, induction energy, and dwell time, and a second set including maximum values for tightening torque, induction energy, and dwell time.
  • the controller further generates a set of parameter values for each permutation of the minimum and maximum parameter values, to thereby provide sets of "extreme" parameter values that are more likely to identify production issues than known laboratory tests, along with a set of nominal parameter values.
  • the controller provides each set of parameter values to the labeling station at least twice, each time with a unique controller-generated set identifier, whereupon a label is generated and applied to a sample package that includes the revised sealing membrane.
  • Each labeled package is transferred to a first processing station, where the cap is tightened to a torque specified by the set's first parameter value.
  • the capped package is then transferred to a second processing station, where the sealing membrane is induction heated in accordance with the induction energy and dwell time specified by the set's second and third parameter values.
  • the cap Upon transfer to the evaluation station, the cap is removed and the package is subjected to vacuum leak testing, burst-strength testing, and a visual inspection, in order to evaluate the quality of the package and/or the seal achieved with the revised sealing membrane.
  • a peel strength test may also be conducted on random samples, to confirm that the sealing membrane exhibits a suitable peel strength.
  • the torque required to loosen the cap of each sealed package may also be recorded, where desired. Values characterizing the performance of the sample package in these evaluations are generated at the evaluation station, for use by the controller.
  • the controller receives the values representing the characteristics of each processed sample package from the evaluation station, and records these values, the sample's process parameters, and perhaps also the sample's unique sample identifier as a unique data set. After further processing the recorded data sets in any suitable manner, for example, by suitably weighting individual data sets, the controller generates an output characterizing the likely performance of the revised sealing membrane, preferably for comparison with a control.
  • the invention advantageously provides a system and method by which large-scale production or in-plant processes are simulated very effectively in a laboratory setting. Further, because a system and method in accordance with the invention permits validity testing of packaging components with a relatively small sample size, a packaging developer can beneficially test potential replacement components and/or component materials at the likely extreme ranges of production operating conditions and, thus, effectively simulating in-plant process variability, in a short amount of time, and at a significantly lower cost than prior art in- plant trials.
  • FIGURE 1 is a flowchart setting forth the main steps of a method in accordance with the invention for evaluating the suitability of a package for use in a production packaging process;
  • FIGURE 2 is a flowchart illustrating in greater detail an exemplary method for evaluating the suitability, for use in an induction sealing packaging process that includes process steps defined by three process parameters, of a package including a container, a threaded cap, and a foil sealing membrane disposed between the container and cap;
  • FIGURE 3 is a three-dimensional representation showing production process variability with respect to the three processing parameters used in the exemplary method shown in Figure 2;
  • FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for performing the exemplary method of Figure 2;
  • FIGURE 5 is a flowchart showing a preferred method for generating the minimum, nominal, and maximum values for the capping torque, for use in the exemplary method of Figure 2;
  • FIGURE 6 is a flowchart showing a preferred method for generating the minimum values for the induction sealing energy and dwell time, for use in the exemplary method of Figure 2;
  • FIGURE 7 is a flowchart showing a preferred method for generating the nominal and maximum values for the induction sealing energy and dwell time, for use in the exemplary method of Figure 2.
  • a method 10 in accordance with the invention for evaluating the suitability of a package for use in a production packaging process generally includes determining, at step 12, a minimum value and a maximum value for each of at least two parameters defining process steps utilized in the production process, and generating, at step 14, a plurality of unique sets of sealing parameter values based on the minimum and maximum sealing parameter values.
  • the method 10 also includes, at step 16, the low-volume processing of sample packages by performing the process steps on a plurality of sample packages using the sets of parameter values at suitable laboratory stations, i.e., stations featuring highly repeatable and accurate performance of such process steps, with each set of process parameters being used to process at least two sample packages.
  • the method includes determining at least one characteristic of each processed sample evaluative of the quality of the package, for example, its performance in a vacuum leak test, a burst-strength test, a peel strength test, or the overall appearance of the processed sample.
  • the method 10 further includes, at step 20, recording, as a data set for each processed sample, a value representative of each such determined characteristic and the parameter values used to process the sample; and, at step 22, analyzing the recorded data sets. While the invention contemplates any suitable analysis of the data set, by which to confirm the suitability of using the new packaging, the recorded data sets are conveniently compared to a control data set, to determine which packaging is characterized by less leakage and a higher burst strength.
  • Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 30 for evaluating the suitability of a package including a container, a threaded cap, and a foil sealing membrane disposed between the container and cap (all not shown) for use in an induction sealing packaging process.
  • the packaging process includes process steps defined by three process parameters: the first process parameter is representative of a pressure achieved between the tightened cap and the mouth of the container, as it compresses the sealing membrane against the periphery of the container's mouth, as expressed in terms of an applied capping torque T; and the second and third process parameters are representative of the heat applied to the sealing membrane such that the sealing membrane, pressed by the tightened cap against the container's mouth, fuses to the container's mouth, as expressed in terms of an induction energy E applied to the capped package for a dwell time t.
  • the first process parameter is representative of a pressure achieved between the tightened cap and the mouth of the container, as it compresses the sealing membrane against the periphery of the container's mouth, as expressed in terms of an applied capping torque T
  • the second and third process parameters are representative of the heat applied to the sealing membrane such that the sealing membrane, pressed by the tightened cap against the container's mouth, fuses to the container's mouth, as expressed in terms of an induction energy E applied to
  • the exemplary method 30 determines the minimum, nominal, and maximum production values T m j n ,T no m,Tmax for capping torque T; the minimum, nominal, and maximum production values E m j n) Enom,E m ax for induction sealing energy E; and the minimum, nominal, and maximum production values tmin,tnom,tmax for induction sealing dwell time t.
  • T minimum, nominal, and maximum production values
  • E m j n Enom,E m ax for induction sealing energy E
  • tmin,tnom,tmax for induction sealing dwell time t.
  • working values for these process parameters may be determined in a separate laboratory method.
  • the exemplary method 30 At step 34 of Figure 2, the exemplary method 30 generates sets of parameter values including all unique combinations of minimum and maximum parameter values, and a combination of nominal parameter values.
  • the several generated sets of parameter values, by which the exemplary method 30 seeks to replicate all "extreme" combinations of parameter values, are graphically illustrated in Figure 3.
  • additional nonduplicative sets of parameter values can also be generated, for example, those containing one nominal parameter value in combination with a minimum or maximum value for each of the other parameters (and, hence, lying on one of the broken lines defining the three-dimensional element shown in Figure 3), or those containing two nominal parameter values in combination with a minimum or maximum value for a third parameter (and, hence, lying on a "face" of the three-dimensional element shown Figure 3), or even those containing parameter values other than the nominal parameter values but intermediate the maximum and minimum values (and, hence, disposed somewhere within the three-dimensional element shown in Figure 3).
  • At step 36 at least two unique sample identifiers are also generated for each set of parameter values, so that a like number of sample packages processed using the same set of parameter values can each be individually identified.
  • the number of samples processed using the same parameter values should be determined based on production process consistency observed in the production facility, with a higher in-plant error rate corresponding to an increased sample size in the exemplary method 30.
  • a sample size of about ten packages may be appropriate.
  • each sample is labeled with the unique sample identifier generated at step 36.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes capping each sample container using a given set's capping torque parameter T; and, at step 42, induction sealing each sample package using the given set's energy and dwell time parameters E,t.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes generating a first value characterizing an applied torque required to loosen each sample package's cap.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes vacuum leak testing each uncapped sample package at step 48, and generating a second value characterizing each sample's vacuum leak test performance at step 50.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes generating a third value characterizing the visual inspection of each uncapped sample package.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes generating a fourth value characterizing each uncapped sample packages burst-strength test performance.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes tabulating the first, second, third, and fourth characterizing values with the sample parameter values using the sample identifier, for example, by recording the characterizing values, the sample parameter values, and the sample identifier together as a data set in an appropriate computer-and readable medium.
  • the exemplary method 30 includes statistically comparing the tabulated data sets, which, as noted above, include plural samples processed using like process parameter values, to a tabulated control data set.
  • an exemplary system 70 for performing the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2 includes a controller 72 that determines the minimum, nominal, and maximum parameter values for capping torque T, induction sealing energy E, and induction sealing dwell time t; and generates the sets of parameter values that are graphically illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the controller 72 also generates a unique sample identifier for each sample package to be processed by the system 70.
  • the controller then forwards package label information including the unique identifier and, preferably, also the parameter values forming a given sample package's process parameters, to a labeling station 74, where a label is prepared and applied to a sample package.
  • the labeled sample package is then transferred from the labeling station 74 to a capping station 76, where a capping device, such as a Torqo benchtop capping device, manufactured by Vibrac® Corporation of Amherst, New Hampshire, applies a controlled capping torque T to the sample package, for example, in response to a control signal received by the capping station 76 from the controller 72 after the capping station 76 uses machine vision (not shown) to read the sample package label and send a signal identifying the arrival of the sample package to the controller 72.
  • a capping device such as a Torqo benchtop capping device, manufactured by Vibrac® Corporation of Amherst, New Hampshire
  • the capped sample package is then transferred to an induction sealing station 78, where an induction sealing device, such as the "CS Plus, Jr.” induction sealing device by Lepel Corporation of Edgewood, New York, applies a controlled induction sealing energy E for a controlled dwell time t to the capped sample package, similarly in response to a control signal received in by the induction sealing station 78 from the controller 72.
  • an induction sealing device such as the "CS Plus, Jr.” induction sealing device by Lepel Corporation of Edgewood, New York
  • E controlled induction sealing energy E for a controlled dwell time t
  • the sealed sample package is then transferred to an uncapping station 80, wherein another capping device, such as a Torqo device, applies a controlled torque to the sealed package's cap to thereby determine a value representative of the amount of torque required to loosen the cap, in response to a control signal from the controller 72.
  • the cap is also fully removed at the uncapping station 80.
  • the uncapped sample package is then transferred to a leak testing station 82, where an appropriate laboratory- quality leak testing device performs a suitable electrical-conductivity, vacuum, pressure, and/or penetrating dye leak test on the uncapped sample package, in response to a signal from the controller 72.
  • a suitable burst-strength testing device such as the BT-1000 leak tester by TMEIectronics, Inc., of Boylston, Massachusetts, performs a burst-strength test on the uncapped sample package, in response to a signal from the controller 72.
  • the several stations 76,78,80,82,84 of the exemplary system 70 feature highly repeatable and accurate performance of their designated process steps, to ensure the validity of the generated characterizing values. It will also be appreciated that the exemplary system 70 is well suited to further automation and mechanization, for example, using robotic workflow including machine vision to track the progress of a given sample through the system, and to correlate detected and observed sample characteristics with the process parameters used to obtain the given sample, thereby improving the consistency of sample data. Finally, the invention contemplates modifying the particular order in which the several stations of the exemplary system 70 process each sample package, as noted above in connection with the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2.
  • a preferred method 90 for generating the minimum, nominal, and maximum values Tmin.Tnom.Tmax for capping torque T, for use in the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2, is shown in Figure 5 as including the steps of tightening a cap on to the container of a sample package at step 92, such that the Is fairly tight; and first measuring an amount of applied torque required to loosen the cap, as with a Torqo device.
  • the preferred method 90 further includes setting the minimum capping torque parameter T m i n at the first measured amount of applied torque at step 96, and setting, at step 98, the nominal capping torque parameter T nO m equal to the first measured amount of applied torque (as determined at step 92) plus an incremental torque value ⁇ T, for example, about 110 Ncm (about 10 in-lbf). Then, after hand- tightening the cap back on to the container of the sample package as tight as possible at step 100, the preferred method 90 includes measuring amount of applied torque required to loosen the cap, again and is with a Torqo device, at step 102. The maximum capping torque parameter T max is then set equal to the second measured amount of applied torque (as determined at step 102).
  • a preferred method 110 for generating the minimum values for induction sealing energy and dwell time, for use in the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2, is shown in Figure 6 as including the steps of initially estimating values E n om,t n om for the nominal induction sealing energy and dwell time parameters at step 112; and setting the minimum values E min ,tmin for the induction sealing energy and dwell time parameters equal to the estimated nominal induction sealing energy and dwell time parameter values E ⁇ m> tnom, at step 114.
  • the preferred method 110 also includes, at step 116, capping a first sample package to a minimum torque parameter T m j n (as determined, for example through use of the preferred method 90 shown in Figure 5), as with a Torqo device; and, at step 118, induction sealing the capped sample package using the minimum values E min ,t m in for the induction sealing energy and dwell time parameters.
  • the sealed sample package is uncapped by hand and, at step 122, the package's sealing membrane is peeled from the mouth of the package's container by hand to determine, at step 124, whether the sealing membrane is barely but sufficiently glued to the container's mouth.
  • the minimum value E m j n for the induction sealing energy is incremented by a predetermined amount ⁇ E, for example, about 20 percent of the minimum value E m j n , while the minimum value t m j n for induction sealing dwell time is likewise incremented by a predetermined amount ⁇ t, for example, about 0.20 seconds.
  • the preferred method 110 further includes capping a second sample package to the minimum torque parameter T m j n , as with a Torqo device; and, at step 130, induction sealing the capped sample package using the minimum values E m i ni tmin for the induction sealing energy and dwell time parameters.
  • the second sealed sample package is uncapped by hand and, at step 134, the uncapped sample package is subjected to burst-strength testing as perhaps about 35 kPa (about 5 psig).
  • step 138 If it is determined at step 138 that the uncapped sample package passes the burst- strength test, the minimum value E m j n for the induction sealing energy is decremented by the predetermined amount ⁇ E, while the minimum value t m j n for induction sealing dwell time is likewise decremented by the predetermined amount ⁇ t, and the preferred method 110 returns to step 128.
  • the sample package is not deemed at step 138 to have passed the burst-strength test, at step 126, the minimum values Emi n .tmin for the induction sealing energy and dwell time are again incremented by the predetermined amounts ⁇ E, ⁇ t, respectively, at step 140 to arrive at the final values to be used in the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2.
  • a preferred method 150 for generating the nominal and maximum values E nO m,t n om for induction sealing energy and dwell time includes setting the maximum values Ema ⁇ ,t ma ⁇ for induction sealing energy and dwell time to the highest level available on the induction sealing device at step 152.
  • the preferred method 150 also includes, at step 154, capping yet another sample package to the minimum torque parameter T mi n, as with a Torqo device; and, at step 156, induction sealing the capped sample package using the maximum values E ma ⁇ ,t ma ⁇ for the induction sealing energy and dwell time parameters.
  • the sealed sample package is uncapped by hand and, at step 160, the package's sealing membrane is visually inspected to determine whether induction sealing has "burned" the membrane or otherwise generated holes or other breaches in the membrane indicating excessive induction heating of the membrane. If it is determined at step 162 that the sealing membrane is "burned," the maximum value E 1713x for the induction sealing energy is decremented by the predetermined amount ⁇ E, while the maximum value t m j n for induction sealing dwell time is likewise decremented by the predetermined amount ⁇ t; and the preferred method 150 loops back to step 154.
  • the sealing membrane of the sample package is deemed at step 162 not to have been "burned," the maximum values E ma ⁇ ,t ma ⁇ for the induction sealing energy and dwell time are incremented by the predetermined amounts ⁇ E. ⁇ t, respectively, at step 166 to arrive at the final values Ema ⁇ ,tm a ⁇ to De used in the exemplary method 30 of Figure 2.
  • the controller 72 can advantageously compare the results of the evaluations of each of the two or more sample packages that were processed using the same set of parameter values, and, if the individual results are not within an acceptable range of one another, one or more further sample packages using the same set of parameter can be immediately processed, and further characterizing values corresponding to the set of parameter values readily obtained, before the controller generates the output.
  • the system and method of the invention is equally applicable to evaluating packaging suitability for production processes employing conductive heating of a sealing membrane, wherein the process parameters may include a first parameter specifying an applied pressure during conductive heating, a second parameter representative of a temperature achieved during conductive heating (of either the sealing membrane or the tool), and a third parameter representing conductive heating dwell time.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé pour un processus d'emballage au cours d'une production, en « essai au banc », en particulier, en vue de tester l'aptitude de nouveaux composants et matériaux d'emballage, procédé dans lequel des valeurs minimales, nominales et maximales pour chacun des divers paramètres de processus sont utilisées pour générer des ensembles discrets de valeurs paramétriques qui comprennent des combinaisons uniques des valeurs paramétriques maximales et minimales, et une combinaison des valeurs paramétriques nominales. Au moins deux emballages échantillons sont ensuite traités en utilisant chaque ensemble de valeurs paramétriques, et les emballages échantillons sont évalués en ce qui concerne les fuites, la résistance à l'éclatement et l'aspect. Les valeurs caractérisant l'évaluation de chaque emballage échantillon sont ensuite enregistrées sous forme d'ensembles de données, conjointement avec les valeurs paramétriques d'emballage échantillon et un identificateur d'échantillon unique. Les ensembles de données obtenus sont analysés statistiquement et comparés, par exemple, avec un ensemble de données de contrôle afin de caractériser les nouveaux composants et matériaux d'emballage relatifs au contrôle.
PCT/US2006/045433 2005-11-29 2006-11-27 Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production WO2007064599A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006320741A AU2006320741A1 (en) 2005-11-29 2006-11-27 System and method for evaluating suitability of packaging for production process
EP06838418A EP1966048A1 (fr) 2005-11-29 2006-11-27 Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production
BRPI0619180-0A BRPI0619180A2 (pt) 2005-11-29 2006-11-27 método para avaliar a adequação de uma embalagem para uso em um processo de embalagem de produção e sistema para testar uma embalagem para uso em um processo de produção

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US74036105P 2005-11-29 2005-11-29
US60/740,361 2005-11-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007064599A1 true WO2007064599A1 (fr) 2007-06-07

Family

ID=37865687

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/045433 WO2007064599A1 (fr) 2005-11-29 2006-11-27 Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1966048A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006320741A1 (fr)
BR (1) BRPI0619180A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007064599A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN117629772A (zh) * 2023-11-30 2024-03-01 杭州环申新材料科技股份有限公司 一种热爆破检测方法、设备、系统以及存储介质

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115829335B (zh) * 2023-02-16 2023-05-16 山东和顺腾达高科技材料有限公司 一种面向铝型材加工的生产线执行风险评估系统

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3444732A (en) * 1967-06-06 1969-05-20 Albert L Robbins Method and apparatus for determining optimum bonding parameters for thermoplastic material
US4771903A (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-09-20 Leon Levene Glass container sealing method
WO1993010959A1 (fr) * 1991-11-27 1993-06-10 Reckitt & Colman Products Limited Ameliorations relatives a des soudures
WO1996035109A1 (fr) * 1995-05-05 1996-11-07 International Paper Company Dispositif et procede de test de thermosoudage
US6296726B1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2001-10-02 Silgan Containers Corporation Method and apparatus for spin welding container closures
US20040255664A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-12-23 Kazuo Hishinuma Method of designing heat seal width

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3444732A (en) * 1967-06-06 1969-05-20 Albert L Robbins Method and apparatus for determining optimum bonding parameters for thermoplastic material
US4771903A (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-09-20 Leon Levene Glass container sealing method
WO1993010959A1 (fr) * 1991-11-27 1993-06-10 Reckitt & Colman Products Limited Ameliorations relatives a des soudures
WO1996035109A1 (fr) * 1995-05-05 1996-11-07 International Paper Company Dispositif et procede de test de thermosoudage
US6296726B1 (en) * 2000-06-13 2001-10-02 Silgan Containers Corporation Method and apparatus for spin welding container closures
US20040255664A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-12-23 Kazuo Hishinuma Method of designing heat seal width

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN117629772A (zh) * 2023-11-30 2024-03-01 杭州环申新材料科技股份有限公司 一种热爆破检测方法、设备、系统以及存储介质
CN117629772B (zh) * 2023-11-30 2024-06-04 杭州环申新材料科技股份有限公司 一种热爆破检测方法、设备、系统以及存储介质

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1966048A1 (fr) 2008-09-10
AU2006320741A1 (en) 2007-06-07
BRPI0619180A2 (pt) 2011-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Putera et al. Printed circuit board defect detection using mathematical morphology and MATLAB image processing tools
CN111444471B (zh) 一种基于多元高斯分布的电缆生产质量异常检测方法和系统
CN111069819A (zh) 一种基于人工智能的焊接质量预测系统及方法
EP1966048A1 (fr) Systeme et procede permettant d'evaluer l'aptitude d'un emballage a un processus de production
CN114219799A (zh) 一种智能制造用次品分析方法及系统
CN114472226A (zh) 一种用于集成电路的半导体芯片测试方法
JP2006524612A (ja) パッキング手順または充填手順のモニタリング方法およびシステム
CN109590631A (zh) 可焊性检测方法
Rosandich et al. Intelligent visual inspection
EP1623930A1 (fr) Procédé pour évaluer l'étanchéïté d'un récipient
EP3128323B1 (fr) Procédé et système pour détecter des défauts dans des récipients en plastique
CN109783263B (zh) 一种服务器老化测试故障的处理方法和系统
CN115829930A (zh) 塑封后产品银浆覆盖率的检测方法
CN113268947A (zh) 芯片版图一致性的检测方法、系统、设备及可读存储介质
CN112560289A (zh) 加速可靠性试验方法及装置
JPS6352711B2 (fr)
CN112595953B (zh) 一种适用于空封电路加速贮存寿命试验的检测与评估方法
CN112857675B (zh) 一种改标的密封元器件可靠性评价方法
CN110703730A (zh) 一种基于mes中数据采集测试方法和装置
CN117150248B (zh) 用于塑料瓶的气密评估方法及系统
CN103344386B (zh) 啤酒包装生产现场压盖效果评价方法
CN102149122A (zh) 一种用于基站测试的方法、装置及系统
CN113673876B (zh) 一种基于机器视觉的烘烤工序监控系统
CN105806998B (zh) 一种高可靠晶体管结构分析方法
Locke¹ Statistical measurement control

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006320741

Country of ref document: AU

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 568444

Country of ref document: NZ

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2006320741

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20061127

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006838418

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: PI0619180

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20080529