Container Wrap Removal Using Heat or Ultrasound Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing outer wraps from containers, such as cellophane wrapping, are time-intensive and can damage the container or product, especially in fast-paced environments, and not all individuals can perform fine motor tasks required for manual unwrapping.
Innovation Solution
A wrap removal device with an engagement surface and delivery elements that generate energy to melt, cut, or weaken the outer wrapping along a path without damaging the container, using heat or ultrasound energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual unwrapping is used, then the container can be unwrapped, but the task is time-intensive and requires fine motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical unwrapping with an automated delivery element system that uses heat or ultrasound energy to melt or weaken the wrapping material, eliminating the need for fine motor skills while increasing unwrapping speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the wrapping material by applying heat to melt it or using ultrasound to weaken it, transforming the material properties to enable easy removal without manual manipulation, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and operational difficulty
2Productivity
If sharp edge cutting is used, then the wrapping can be removed quickly, but the container and/or product may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting with thermal or ultrasonic energy delivery, which melts or weakens the wrapping material without applying mechanical force that could damage the container or product, thus maintaining high productivity while eliminating harmful mechanical effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of high-energy delivery into a beneficial process by controlling the energy application to melt or weaken only the wrapping material, using the energy that could cause damage instead to achieve clean separation without harm to the container or product
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
Enables quick and efficient removal of outer wraps without damaging the container, suitable for high-speed processing environments and accessible to individuals with varying physical abilities.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more delivery elements are configured to generate heat that one or more of melts or weakens the outer wrapping along a path without melting or modifying the container
Implementation Method 2
The one or more delivery elements are configured to generate ultrasound energy that one or more of cuts or weakens the outer wrapping along a path without cutting or modifying the container
Data Source
AI summary
A wrap removal device includes (a) an engagement surface configured to receive a container having an outer wrapping and (b) one or more delivery elements disposed on or in the engagement surface. The one or more delivery elements are configured to generate energy that one or more of melts, cuts, or weakens the outer wrapping along a path without melting, cutting, or modifying the container. The wrap removal device can quickly remove the outer wrapping without damage to the container.