Horizontal Axis Positioning Device for Delicate Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrapping machines with vertical axis wheels fail to properly orient and position delicate and bulky chocolate-coated cherries for wrapping, leading to inadequate space for wrapping sheets, excessive handling stress, and risk of damage to the product and machine.
Innovation Solution
A device with a horizontally disposed discoidal support body and eight pliers means connected to a vertical rotating shaft, allowing for radial rotation of the pliers to accommodate various product sizes, ensuring smooth movement and synchronization, and featuring cam mechanisms for controlled jaw operation to securely hold and position the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical axis wheels are used for handling articles, then the articles can be transferred and oriented, but the orientation is not suitable for chocolate-coated cherry with liqueur wrapper style and insufficient space is left for wrapping sheet positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical axis wheel design by using a horizontal axis wheel. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial arrangement, allowing articles to be handled in a orientation that leaves adequate space above the article for wrapping sheet positioning and manipulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between article orientation and wrapping space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical axis configuration to a horizontal axis configuration, effectively changing the dimensional orientation of the handling mechanism. This dimensional change repositions the article handling plane, creating sufficient vertical clearance above the article for wrapping sheet positioning members to operate effectively
2Productivity
If conventional pliers wheels are used, then articles can be handled, but excessive stressing occurs causing damage risk to articles and machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, articulated pliers means with multiple degrees of freedom that can adapt their movement paths and gripping forces. The pliers are connected to the horizontal axis wheel through linkage mechanisms that enable smooth, controlled motion, reducing sudden stresses and impacts on delicate articles while maintaining efficient handling speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the handling mechanism by using a horizontal axis rotation that provides more gradual and controlled article presentation compared to vertical axis wheels. This parameter change in the motion profile reduces impact forces and excessive stressing on articles during the handling process
3Productivity
If conventional wheels are used, then article transfer is possible, but synchronization and phase of movements may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the horizontal axis wheel system: article retention, orientation, and synchronized presentation to the wrapping station. The horizontal axis configuration allows all these functions to be achieved through a single, coherent rotational motion, maintaining synchronization and phase relationships more reliably than separate vertical axis mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal axis wheel with articulated pliers means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers articles, orients them correctly, positions them for wrapping sheet application, and maintains synchronization throughout the process. This multi-functionality in a unified mechanism improves reliability compared to separate specialized components
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for positioning an article (2) to be wrapped by means of a machine comprises a horizontal support body (3) centrally fixed on a vertical rotation shaft (4) . The device (1) is equipped with at least one pliers means (5) connected, to turn together with it, to the support body (3) and provided with at least two jaws (6, 7) and with opening means (8) connected to at least one of the jaws (G, 7) to hold and to release the article (2) . The at least one pliers means (5) is connected to the support body (3) by means of respective rotation mans (9) for the rotation of said at least one pliers means (5) and of the article held thereby, around an axis almost radial in respect to the support body (3).