Gripping Handle Application Device for Shrinkwrap Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying gripping handles to packaging films on shrinkwrap packers result in poor adherence, transverse wrinkles, and structural integrity issues, leading to frequent detachment and increased production costs due to reduced application speeds.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mobile supporting tape that varies velocity to ensure optimal adhesion and prevent wrinkles, using an abutment mechanism with a rectilinear and flat advancement surface to apply gripping handles at high speeds without deforming the packaging films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an applying roller operates directly in contact with packaging films against an abutment roller, then gripping handles can be applied to packaging films, but the adherence between gripping handles and films is poor and transverse wrinkles form
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting tape is introduced as an intermediary element between the applying roller and the packaging film. The tape receives the gripping handles from the applying roller and transfers them to the packaging film, preventing direct contact pressure that causes wrinkles while ensuring proper adhesion through controlled transfer mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting tape moves at a controlled velocity that matches the packaging film speed during handle transfer. This velocity synchronization prevents relative motion that would cause wrinkles, while the tape's material properties are optimized to facilitate clean handle transfer without deformation
2Productivity
If high advancement velocities are used for packaging films, then production speed increases, but adherence between gripping handles and films deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting tape acts as a buffer that can accommodate high film velocities while maintaining controlled transfer conditions. The tape's motion control system synchronizes with the film speed, ensuring that gripping handles are transferred smoothly even at high production speeds without compromising adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting tape velocity is dynamically adjusted to match the packaging film advancement velocity. This dynamic synchronization ensures that the handle transfer process remains stable across a range of production speeds, maintaining adherence quality whether operating at high or low velocities
3Strength
If pressure is exerted by the applying roller against the abutment roller, then gripping handles are fixed on packaging films, but the packaging films deform or tear
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting tape serves as a mediator that receives pressure from the applying roller during handle application, then gently transfers the handles to the packaging film without exerting damaging pressure. This separates the high-pressure application phase from the low-pressure transfer phase, ensuring strong joining without film deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting tape is positioned and tensioned beforehand to absorb and distribute the pressure from the applying roller. This pre-positioning creates a cushioning effect that prevents concentrated pressure points from deforming or tearing the packaging film during the handle application process
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
The solution achieves excellent adherence and structural integrity of gripping handles to packaging films, reducing waste and production costs by maintaining high application speeds and preventing permanent deformation or tearing.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting tape 15 is moved, at variable velocity, in a direction coinciding with the advancement direction of the packaging films P being supplied... ensuring optimal adhesion of the joining adhesive portions A
Implementation Method 2
the applying roller 11 of the applying head 10 operates to apply a respective gripping handle M on each packaging film P being supplied... exerts a pressure against the abutment roller
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device (1) for applying gripping handles (M) on films (P), being supplied on shrinkwrap packers (2) for making bundles of bottles (B), cans and/or similar containers (B). The device (1) comprises: an applying head (10) provided with a roller (11) for applying gripping handles (M); an abutment mechanism (14) for operatively supporting a series of heat-shrinkable packaging films (P), being supplied on a respective shrinkwrap packer (2). The applying roller (11) and the abutment mechanism (14) are mobile with respect to one another between a non-operating condition, in which they are spaced apart, and an operating condition, in which the applying roller (11) is arranged, at the abutment mechanism (14), against at least one of the films (P) being supplied to apply a respective gripping handle (M) on the latter. The abutment mechanism (14) comprises a supporting tape (15) having an advancement surface (16) for advancing the films (P), which, in the operating condition, provides an abutment for the applying roller (11), which applies each handle (M) on a respective packaging film (P), acting against the advancement surface (16) of the supporting tape (15).