Helical Wrapping Apparatus with Differential Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for wrapping articles in flexible sheet material are complex and lack versatility, requiring separate drives and speed controllers for tensioning, which complicates the process and increases component count.
Innovation Solution
A compact packaging apparatus with a rotary member and fixed guide member, utilizing a gear train for differential tensioning rollers and an endless loop belt for constant tension, eliminates the need for separate drives and speed controllers, allowing for efficient helical wrapping with reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate drives and speed controllers are used for tensioning rollers, then tension control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive functions into a single drive mechanism that simultaneously controls both tensioning rollers. The drive shaft is connected to both rollers through transmission mechanisms, allowing one drive source to control tension application on the wrapping material without requiring separate drives for each roller, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tension control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive shaft serves multiple functions by being transmitted to both tensioning rollers through different transmission paths. This universal drive mechanism applies tension to the wrapping material in multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple independent drive systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate drives are used for tensioning rollers, then tension application is improved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single drive shaft that transmits power to both tensioning rollers. This consolidation reduces the component count by eliminating redundant drive mechanisms while maintaining the ability to apply tension effectively at multiple points along the wrapping material path.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, or other transmission elements) act as intermediaries between the single drive shaft and the tensioning rollers. These intermediaries allow the drive force to be distributed to multiple rollers through a single source, reducing component count while maintaining tension application capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging machines are used, then wrapping functionality is provided, but adaptability to different article sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable parameters including variable drive shaft speed, adjustable tensioning roller positions, and modifiable transmission ratios. These dynamic adjustments allow the same packaging machine to adapt to different article sizes and shapes by changing operational parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration, thereby improving versatility while maintaining wrapping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable operational parameters such as drive speed, tension level, and roller positioning that can be modified to accommodate different article dimensions. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the machine, the system achieves adaptability to various article sizes while preserving the core wrapping functionality.
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 simplifies the packaging process, reduces material waste, and provides structural support to articles while maintaining high efficiency, enabling continuous wrapping with minimal setup adjustments for different article sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
articles are wrapped by a helical continuous web of material
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rotary tensioning rollers supported on the rotary member and for applying tension to the wrapping material
Implementation Method 3
a transmission device between the rotary member and the guide member for converting the relative movement of the rotary member and guide member into rotation of the tensioning rollers
Data Source
AI summary
Packaging apparatus for helically wrapping articles with a stretchable flexible film of wrapping material. A first conveyor (11) transports unwrapped articles towards a wrapping material applicator (13) and a second conveyor (12) transports helically wrapped articles. The first and second conveyors are spaced apart and the wrapping material applicator (13) is disposed between the first and second conveyors. The wrapping material is applied between the first and second conveyors to wrap an article disposed in space between the conveyors. The applicator has a rotary ring (14) supported in rotation by a fixed guide ring. Wrapping film reels are mounted on the rotary ring and unwound around tensioning rollers. Relative motion of the guide and rotary rings is converted into rotation of the tensioning rollers by a gear train so the wrapping material is stretched prior to application to the articles. The packaging apparatus may be used to wrap any material around any sort of article.