Deflection Device for Adjustable Shrink Medium Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrinking devices face challenges in optimally loading containers with shrinking medium, leading to suboptimal shrinkage quality and increased energy consumption due to fixed shaft wall designs that cannot be easily adapted to different product sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a deflection device within the shrinking device that deflects the shrinking medium downwards onto the upper side of the articles, allowing for adjustable and optimized distribution of heat, reducing energy requirements and preventing crease formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shaft walls are designed as welded or riveted constructions with fixed parameters, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to different product groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft wall is divided into modular components: a fixed structural framework and interchangeable nozzle plates. The nozzle plates can be removed and replaced to adapt to different product groups, while the framework maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows the system to combine the strength of fixed structures with the flexibility of interchangeable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a completely fixed shaft wall design to a dynamic configuration where nozzle plates can be interchangeably changed based on product requirements. This allows the shaft wall to adapt its nozzle pattern and configuration dynamically while maintaining structural stability through the fixed framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nozzle plates are made interchangeable and movable, then adaptability to different product groups is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into standardized nozzle plates that can be interchangeably mounted on the shaft wall. Each nozzle plate is a self-contained unit with a specific pattern, allowing easy replacement without affecting the overall structure. This segmentation simplifies the complexity by providing modular, standardized components rather than a completely customizable complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable nozzle plates serve multiple functions: they provide the necessary nozzle patterns for different product groups, maintain structural integrity when mounted, and can be easily removed and replaced. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If hot air is blown into shaft walls from above through air inlet openings, then shrinkage quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly heating the entire shaft wall interior, the system directs hot air locally through strategically positioned nozzle openings in the shaft wall. This localized heating approach ensures that heat is applied precisely where needed for optimal shrinkage quality, reducing energy waste in areas that do not require heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles to control the flow of hot air through the shaft wall. By using controlled air inlet openings and nozzle structures, the hot air is directed efficiently through the shaft wall material, improving heat transfer effectiveness and reducing the total energy required compared to less controlled heating methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If shaft walls extend along the entire transport route, then shrinkage quality is improved, but device complexity and retrofitting effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft wall system is segmented into modular sections that can be independently configured. Rather than requiring a completely custom shaft wall design for each product group, the system uses standardized modular components that can be assembled to create the necessary shrinkage zones, reducing overall complexity while maintaining quality.
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 solution enhances shrinkage quality by ensuring uniform heat application, reduces energy consumption, and allows for quick adaptation to different products by adjusting the deflection device's position and design, thereby improving the formation of crease-free shrink packs.
Implementation Method 1
Shrink medium, for example hot air, is supplied, for example, via nozzle pipes, nozzle channels or shaft walls
Implementation Method 2
The heat supply causes the shrink film to contract and cling to the items
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a shrinking device (1) for hot-shrinking a shrink material (22) around articles (20) or assemblies of a plurality of articles (20) and a method for adapting a shrinking device (1). The shrinking device (1) comprises at least one transport section (5) on which the articles (20) are transported in a transport direction (TR). The transport section (5) is bounded on both sides by shaft walls (10) with nozzle surfaces (11), wherein shrink medium flows through the nozzles of the nozzle surfaces (11) in a first flow direction (SR1) into the interior of the shrinking device (1) in the direction of the transport section (5).In an upper area of at least one nozzle surface (11) a deflection device (30) is arranged at least partially for deflecting shrink medium from the nozzle row (13) arranged directly below the deflection device (30) or from two or more nozzle rows (13) arranged directly below the deflection device (30).