Flexible Pipe Wrapper Machine With Automated Film Roll Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapper machines for packaging flexible pipes require manual replacement of stretch film coils, leading to prolonged downtime and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A wrapper machine with an automated coil replacement system, utilizing a drive device to synchronize gripper jaws and a rotary clamp, allowing for seamless transition between coil clamping and release positions, and an electronic control unit to manage film wrapping and coil transfer, ensuring synchronized movements and homogeneous wrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of stretch film coil is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the stretch film coil on the transfer device and preparing the wrapper assembly in advance. The electronic control unit coordinates the transfer device to move the coil to the wrapper assembly before the wrapping operation begins, eliminating manual intervention and continuous downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper machine performs self-service through automated coil replacement. The transfer device automatically transfers the stretch film coil from the storage position to the wrapper assembly without human intervention. The electronic control unit manages the synchronization of the rotary clamp and wrapper assembly, enabling the system to replace coils autonomously and maintain continuous operation.
2Productivity
If automated coil replacement system is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device serves multiple functions: it stores the stretch film coil, transfers it to the wrapper assembly, and positions it for automatic replacement. The electronic control unit performs multiple control functions including coordinating the rotary clamp, managing the wrapper assembly rotation, and synchronizing the entire automated replacement process, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system controlled by an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit manages the synchronization of the rotary clamp and wrapper assembly, replacing the need for manual coordination and reducing operational complexity while increasing productivity.
3Loss of time
If manual coil replacement is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the stretch film coil on the transfer device and preparing the wrapper assembly in advance. The electronic control unit coordinates the transfer device to move the coil to the wrapper assembly before the wrapping operation begins, eliminating manual intervention and continuous downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system ensures continuous operation by maintaining the wrapping process without interruption. The electronic control unit coordinates the transfer device and rotary clamp to replace coils during the wrapping operation, allowing the machine to continue producing packaged flexible pipes without stopping for manual coil replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A wrapper machine has a coiling station for forming a coil of a flexible article with an elongated shape, a packaging station for wrapping a stretch film around the coil of the flexible article, a transfer unit for transferring the coil of the flexible article from the coiling station to the packaging station where the coil of flexible article is rotated intermittently to be wrapped in a stretch film, and a roll-replacement unit to replace a roll of stretch film mounted in the packaging station.