Closing Device for Pallet Wrap Film Top Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping machines require additional thicker film for protecting the top of palletized loads, increasing production costs, storage management, and machine downtime due to the need for separate reels, and existing solutions are complex and not applicable to machines with turntables or rotating rings.
Innovation Solution
A closing device that uses the same extendible thermoweldable film to cover the top of palletized loads by folding and welding the film band around the top, eliminating the need for additional film, with a mechanism comprising movable arms and a frame that guides and welds the film to create a sealed closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a further thicker film is used to protect the top of palletized loads, then the protective performance is improved, but the production cost increases and machine downtime increases due to separate reel replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of protecting the top surface with the main wrapping film, eliminating the need for a separate thicker film reel. The closing device folds and welds the same film used for lateral wrapping to seal the top surface, thus combining multiple protective functions into a single film system and eliminating reel replacement downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping film is designed to perform multiple functions: lateral wrapping and top surface protection. The closing device enables the film to extend and fold over the top surface, making the single film universal for both lateral and top protection, eliminating the need for specialized thicker film.
2Reliability
If a further thicker film is used to protect the top of palletized loads, then the protective performance is improved, but the material cost and storage management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function for the top surface with the main wrapping film, eliminating the need to procure and store a separate thicker film. This reduces material variety and storage complexity while maintaining protective performance through the closing device that seals the top with the same film.
3Reliability
If complex closing mechanisms with multiple movable parts are used to cover the top, then the top coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and production cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is segmented into simple functional components: a frame that defines the closing area, folding elements that guide the film, and welding means that seal it. This segmentation avoids complex multi-part mechanisms while achieving effective top coverage through coordinated simple actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The film itself performs the closing action through folding and welding, rather than requiring complex mechanical structures to physically cover the top. The film is fed, folded, and welded in a self-contained sequence by the closing device, eliminating the need for additional covering components.
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 solution reduces material and storage costs, simplifies machine operation, and eliminates downtime by using the same film for wrapping the top, achieving efficient and cost-effective wrapping without the need for additional film, while maintaining production levels and reducing machine complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one welding element (8) for welding to one another the portions of the band (3A) brought together above the top (5) of the palletised load (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing device (1) is configured for a wrapping machine of the type comprising a turntable or a ring and suitable for closing an open end (2) of a wrapping (3) of thermoweldable extendible plastic film when said plastic film is wrapped around a palletised product (4) by said wrapping machine, said open end (2) being provided in a band (3A) of said wrapping (3) that projects beyond the top (5) of said palletised product (4), said closing device (1) comprising closing means (7) arranged for bringing together portions of said band (3A) and retaining means (6) cooperating with said closing means (7) and arranged for retaining said plastic film of said open end (2) and for folding said portions, said closing means (7) being provided with a welding element (8) for welding said portions of said band (3A) above said top (5), so as to close the opening of said open end (2), in which said closing means (7) comprises a pair of arms (7A, 7B), supported by a framework (9) provided in said closing device (1) and drivable in such a manner that at least respective ends (12) of said arms (7A, 7B) are movable towards and away from one another, said welding element (8) being fixed to each of said respective ends (12), and in which said retaining means (6) is connected to said closing means (7) in such a manner as to be driven by the motion of said closing means (7) between an extended configuration (E), in which said retaining means (6) maintains said portions extended and a folded configuration (K), in which retaining means (6) retains said portions substantially superimposed on one another (H).