Movable Corner Post Holders for Short-Load Film Wrapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently and economically positioning corner posts on loads during enveloping processes like stretch wrapping or stretch hooding, particularly for loads of limited height, where space constraints hinder the application of conventional corner post applicators.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising corner post applicators and holders that cooperate with enveloping machines to securely position corner posts on loads, allowing the enveloping process to proceed by using moveable corner post holders that engage and retain the posts in place, even for shorter loads, enabling efficient film application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional corner post applicators are used during stretch wrapping operations, then corner posts can be positioned on loads, but the system cannot accommodate loads of limited height due to space constraints within the enveloping machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of loads with limited vertical heightVSAvoidspace constraints within enveloping machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner post holder is designed as a movable component that can transition between extended and retracted positions along the carrier arm. This dynamic configuration allows the holder to adapt to loads of varying heights - extending to support corner posts on shorter loads and retracting to provide clearance for the enveloping machine's film application mechanism on taller loads, thereby resolving the space constraint issue while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The corner post application system is divided into separate functional components: the corner post applicator, the carrier arm, and the movable corner post holder. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the holder being able to move along the carrier arm to accommodate different load heights, thus improving adaptability without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If corner post applicators are retracted to allow enveloping machine operation, then film application can proceed, but corner posts may become unstable on shorter loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenveloping process efficiencyVSAvoidcorner post stability during enveloping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corner post holder is positioned and configured to support the corner post before the enveloping process begins. By establishing this preliminary support structure, the system ensures corner post stability is in place before the applicator retracts, allowing the enveloping machine to operate efficiently without compromising corner post security on shorter loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable corner post holder acts as an intermediary between the corner post applicator and the load. It provides continuous support to the corner post during the enveloping process, mediating the transition from applicator-held to film-secured positioning, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable corner post holders are used to support shorter loads, then space utilization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of loads with limited vertical spaceVSAvoidmechanism for moving corner post holders

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable corner post holder is actuated using a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, which provides efficient and reliable movement along the carrier arm. This actuation mechanism offers precise control with minimal mechanical complexity, allowing the holder to extend or retract as needed while maintaining a compact and economical device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable corner post holder is designed to handle multiple load height scenarios with a single mechanism. By incorporating this multi-functional capability into the existing corner post applicator system, the invention achieves adaptability for both short and tall loads without requiring entirely separate systems, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12589901B2Corner post application system

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 MOLLERS NORTH AMERICA

AI summary

A corner post application system for a load having corners includes corner post applicators and moveable corner post holders. The corner post applicators include a corner post gripper configured to grasp a corner post, with the corner post applicators configured to move the corner post to a corner of the load. The corner post holders each have a clamp and are moveable between a retracted position and an engaged position, where in the engaged position the clamp is configured to engage a respective corner post to press the corner post against the load at the respective corner. When the corner post holders are in the engaged position the corner post applicators are configured to be retracted with the corner posts being held in engagement with the corners of the load by the corner post holders to enable an enveloping machine to initiate placement of a film over the load.