Floor-Level Pallet Wrapping with Orbiting Film Reel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pallet packing machines require lifting and lowering operations, which pose risks and costs, and often necessitate the use of electric pallet jacks, making them less versatile and more hazardous, especially in production line environments where manual jacks are not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A completely automated device with a transport element at floor height, a wrapping machine where the film reel orbits around the pallet, and an electric retaining, welding, and cutting unit that eliminates the need for manual handling by using a line of rollers for pallet transport and a safety enclosure to prevent accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pallet lifting and lowering operations are used to position the packing machine at line height, then the packing machine can operate at production line height, but the risk of accidents and handling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePacking machine operation at line heightVSAvoidAccident risk during lifting and lowering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packing machine is positioned at floor level (equipotential position) rather than being lifted to production line height, eliminating the harmful effects of lifting and lowering operations while maintaining operational capability through the roller conveyor system that brings pallets to the machine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Ease of operation

If electric pallet jacks are used for pallet transport at production line height, then pallets can be transported to the packing machine, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePallet transport capabilityVSAvoidRequirement for electric pallet jacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric pallet jack system is replaced with a mechanical roller conveyor system that operates at floor level, substituting complex electrical and hydraulic systems with a simpler mechanical rolling surface that automatically transports pallets using gravity and manual pushing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller conveyor system enables pallets to be transported and positioned automatically through the rolling mechanism, reducing the need for powered assistance and making the system self-sufficient for pallet handling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling operations are used for pallet loading and unloading, then the device can be more versatile and use manual pallet jacks, but the productivity and safety decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCompatibility with manual pallet jacksVSAvoidPacking cycle speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to different pallet positions and types by using a roller conveyor that can accommodate various pallet dimensions and weights, maintaining versatility while providing automated transport to enhance productivity throughout the packing cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3564139A1Device for the automated packing of palleted loads

Publication Date: 2019.11.06 ARANGUREN COMML DEL EMBALAJE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the automated packing of palleted loads that comprises a transport element comprising a line of height less than 30 centimetres from the floor and which is divided into a loading area, a packing area and a collection area (8), a packing element comprising a wrapping machine, an automated electric retaining, welding and cutting element and safety elements comprising a perimetral protective enclosure.