Container Wrap Removal With Selective Heat or Ultrasound
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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 high-speed processing environments, and are not accessible to individuals with limited fine motor skills.
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 waves, allowing for quick and efficient unwrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp edge is used to cut the outer wrapping, then the wrapping can be removed, but the container and/or product within the wrapping may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting action of a sharp edge with a thermal field (heating element) that melts or weakens the wrapping material. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact that causes container damage while maintaining effective wrap removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary between the removal mechanism and the wrapping material. Instead of direct mechanical cutting, heat serves as the medium to weaken and separate the wrapping from the container, preventing direct damage to the container surface.
2Ease of operation
If a person pulls apart the wrapping along a pre-existing perforation or interface, then the wrapping can be removed, but the task is time-intensive and requires fine motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of pulling and tearing the wrapping with an automated thermal process. The heating element automatically applies heat along the wrapping, eliminating the need for manual fine motor operations and significantly reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element performs the unwrapping action automatically without requiring human intervention for the actual separation process. The system serves itself by using the heating element to create a weakened path that allows the wrapping to be removed without manual manipulation.
3Productivity
If the outer wrapping is melted or cut using traditional methods, then the wrapping can be removed quickly, but the container may be modified or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to apply heat locally and selectively to the wrapping material only. The controlled thermal application ensures that only the wrapping is affected while the container maintains its original properties and appearance, achieving both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the wrapping material through controlled heating, transitioning it from a solid intact state to a melted or weakened state along a specific path. This parameter change allows for clean separation without affecting the container's structural integrity or appearance.
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 fast and damage-free removal of outer wraps from containers, suitable for high-speed processing and accessible to a wider range of users, including those with limited fine motor skills.
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.