Adjustable Wind Guard for Dunnage Conversion System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dunnage conversion systems face issues with improperly aligned sheet stock material leading to jamming and tearing during conversion, especially when the conversion machine rotates or moves relative to the stock material support.

Innovation Solution

A dunnage conversion system with a rotatable conversion machine and a guide element that maintains consistent positioning of the stock material support relative to the machine, using a guide bracket with spaced-apart arms to align the stock material and prevent misalignment, and an adjustable wind guard to protect the stock material from wind.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conversion machine rotates or moves relative to the stock material support, then the machine can be repositioned or adjusted, but misalignment occurs leading to jamming and tearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine repositioning capabilityVSAvoidalignment consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element acts as an intermediary between the conversion machine and the stock material support. The guide element includes a guide surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the stock material support, ensuring that when the machine rotates or moves, the stock material remains consistently aligned with the conversion zone, preventing misalignment, jamming, and tearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the stock material is exposed to wind, then access and loading is easier, but the material blows out of the supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess and loading convenienceVSAvoidwind exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A wind guard in the form of a flexible panel is provided that can be positioned to shield the stock material from wind while allowing access and loading operations. The panel acts as a protective barrier that prevents wind from blowing the material out of the supply, while still permitting operators to access and load stock material when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3246155B1Dunnage conversion system with adjustable wind guard
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 RANPAK CORP
  • EP3246155B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246155B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3246155B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A dunnage-producing system, comprising: a dunnage conversion machine for converting a sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product, a supply of sheet stock material, and an adjustable wind guard that protects the stock material from blowing out of the supply in windy conditions.