Continuous Rotating Drum Packaging for Lollipops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for lollipops and confectionery face inefficiencies in speed and reliability due to frequent stopping and starting, which strains the machinery and reduces output.
Innovation Solution
The packaging machine design includes continuously rotating drums and discs with twisters and lollipop holders, allowing for simultaneous rotation and improved tool exchange, along with a take-over wheel with rotatable clamping arms for efficient lollipop handling and packaging material management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the drum is stopped and started for each lollipop packaging operation, then the packaging precision and control are improved, but the productivity and machine reliability deteriorate due to frequent stopping and starting
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is designed to rotate continuously without stopping between packaging operations. Multiple lollipop holders are arranged around the drum perimeter, allowing packaging operations to be performed at different angular positions during continuous rotation, thereby eliminating idle stopping and starting time while maintaining packaging precision through controlled operational sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging operation is divided into multiple independent stations arranged around the drum perimeter. Each station can perform packaging operations independently while the drum continues rotating, allowing parallel processing of multiple lollipops. This segmentation enables continuous production flow without requiring the entire system to stop and start for each individual packaging operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drum is stopped and started for each lollipop packaging operation, then the control and precision are improved, but the machine reliability deteriorates due to mechanical strain from repeated stopping and starting
Solution Approach 1:
The drum maintains continuous rotation throughout the packaging process, eliminating the mechanical stress of repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles. This continuous motion significantly improves machine reliability by reducing wear on motors, bearings, and mechanical components while maintaining precise packaging control through synchronized operation of multiple holders and tools around the rotating drum.
3Productivity
If multiple twisters are arranged on separate discs, then the twisting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple twisters are mounted on the same disc structure, sharing common rotational motion and support mechanisms. This merging approach allows multiple twisting operations to be performed simultaneously on different lollipops while using a single disc assembly, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing the number of separate disc components and their associated complexity.
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 design enhances packaging speed and reliability by minimizing machine downtime and distributing forces symmetrically, leading to a higher frequency and output of packaged confectionery while reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
heating means for supplying heat to the protruding tube sections
Data Source
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AI summary
Packaging machine for packaging lollipops provided with a stick and a head in a film/foil sheet, comprising a rotatably driven drum having a series of lollipop holders thereon, the drum furthermore being provided with a series of film/foil folding means for folding a respective film/foil sheet around the head around a longitudinal centre axis substantially parallel to the stick, the device furthermore comprising a series of twisters for twisting a film/foil tube section protruding in the longitudinal direction of the lollipop head while continuing to clamp the lollipop head and while the drum continues to rotate.