Compact Packaging System with Integrated Shrinkage Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines require a wide space for installation and operation, necessitating two operators and multiple accessible areas for storage, maintenance, and format changes.
Innovation Solution
A compact packaging system with a supporting structure containing film bending, welding, and shrinkage assemblies, utilizing conveyor belts and a fairing with controlled operations, allowing single-operator operation and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional packaging machines are used, then packaging operations can be performed, but wide space is required for installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packaging machine and shrinkage tunnel into a single integrated unit. The packaging machine includes welding bars for sealing the film and cutting bars for trimming, while the shrinkage tunnel with heating elements is directly coupled to the same frame structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate packaging and shrinkage stations, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining full operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the conveyor belt system is positioned within the shrinkage tunnel structure. The packaging machine components are mounted on the frame that also supports the shrinkage tunnel, creating a compact layered arrangement. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, minimizing the footprint.
2Productivity
If traditional packaging machines are used, then packaging operations can be performed, but two operators are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated operation where the conveyor belt systematically transports products through the packaging machine and shrinkage tunnel without interruption. The welding bars and cutting bars operate automatically at predetermined positions, and the shrinkage tunnel continuously heats and shrinks the film as products pass through. This continuous automated process eliminates the need for manual intervention at multiple stages, allowing single-operator management while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging machine performs multiple operations automatically without operator intervention. The welding bars seal the film automatically, the cutting bars trim excess film automatically, and the shrinkage tunnel shrinks the packaging automatically as products convey through. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden from two operators to one, who primarily monitors and manages the automated system.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional packaging machines are used, then packaging operations can be performed, but multiple accessible areas are required for storage and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated system into modular functional sections: the packaging machine section with welding and cutting bars, and the shrinkage tunnel section with heating elements. Each section can be accessed independently through strategically positioned openings in the frame structure. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific components without requiring wide clearances around the entire machine, as only localized access points are needed for each module.
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 system minimizes overall size, enabling installation against a wall and operation by a single operator, reducing the need for extensive free areas and optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a shrinkage assembly 5 possibly supplied through the first transporting means 7 in which heat-shrinkage and sealing of the case around the product are performed
Implementation Method 2
a welding bars assembly 8, comprising bars for welding and cutting the films
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A packaging system (10) is described, comprising a supporting and containing structure (3) adapted to contain therein and to support: a film bending assembly (4); a welding bars assembly (8); a shrinkage assembly (5); first and second transporting means (7, 18) transverse to the advancement direction of the product in the system (10) and adapted to receive the packaged parcel exiting from the shrinkage assembly (5) and from the supporting and containing structure (3) and to advance it towards third transporting means (19) transverse to the advancement direction of the product in the second transporting means (18).