Extensible Film Packaging Apparatus with Dynamic Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging apparatuses using extensible films struggle to adapt the film to the shape of the product effectively and minimize film usage, leading to inefficient packaging, especially for products without trays.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that allows the film to be folded in two orthogonal directions, enabling adaptation to the product's shape and minimizing film usage, with features like a conveying device for measuring product dimensions and a lifting mechanism for precise film application, along with gripping elements for tensioning and perforating the film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the film is folded in a preset direction to close on the product, then the packaging process is simple, but the film cannot be adapted to the shape of the product and the quantity of film used cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic folding directions by providing first and second folding devices that can fold the film in different directions (first direction and second direction respectively) based on product shape requirements. The folding direction is not fixed but can be adjusted dynamically to adapt to different product geometries, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging apparatus is segmented into multiple independent folding devices (first folding device and second folding device) that can operate independently in different directions. This segmentation allows each folding device to specialize in a particular folding direction, enabling better adaptation to product shapes while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Loss of substance
If the film is folded in a preset direction, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the quantity of film used cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables dynamic selection of folding directions to optimize film usage. By providing multiple folding devices that can operate in different directions, the system can adapt the folding pattern to minimize film consumption for each specific product shape, rather than using a fixed preset direction that may waste film.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the folding direction parameter based on product characteristics and film tension requirements. By adjusting which folding device operates and in what direction, the apparatus optimizes film utilization efficiency, reducing the quantity of film needed while maintaining packaging effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the film is tensioned in only one direction, then the apparatus is simple, but the film cannot be optimally adapted to products without trays
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning function is segmented into multiple independent tensioning devices corresponding to different directions. Each tensioning device can apply tension independently in its specific direction, allowing the film to be optimally tensioned and adapted to loose products without trays, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus provides dynamic tensioning capabilities in multiple directions rather than a fixed single-direction tensioning system. This allows the film to be tensioned optimally according to the specific geometry and requirements of loose products, improving adaptability while the modular dynamic design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for packaging a product (P) with an extensible film (3), comprises conveying means (4) for conveying a product (P) to the apparatus (1), evacuating means (61) for evacuating a product (P) from the apparatus (1) at the end of packaging, unwinding means (14, 31) to unwind the extensible film (3) from a reel (2) mounted on the apparatus (1), tensioning means (40, 41) for tensioning said extensible film (3), said unwinding means (14, 31) comprises a first gripping element (14) and a second gripping element (31) that are movable independently of one another in an unwinding direction (S) for unwinding the extensible film (3) from the reel (2).