Hose-shaped stretch foil packaging system eliminating mechanical pusher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems using hose-shaped stretch foil for horizontal packaging are inefficient and costly due to the need for a separate mechanical 'pusher' mechanism to move objects through the packaging frame at high speeds, especially when handling multiple objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a second object pushes the first object onto the second conveyor, eliminating the need for a 'pusher' mechanism, and utilizing a foil dispensing and cutting mechanism between the conveyors to efficiently wrap and seal the foil around objects, with adjustable conveyors to ensure proper alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate mechanical pusher mechanism is used to move objects through the packaging frame at high speeds, then packaging speed and productivity are improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system uses the weight and movement of subsequent objects on the conveyor to automatically push previous objects through the packaging frame. The second object naturally pushes the first object during conveyor operation, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical pusher mechanism while maintaining high packaging speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate mechanical pusher mechanism from the system entirely. By extracting this unnecessary component, the system reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while relying on the inherent dynamics of the conveyor system and object interactions to achieve the same functional result
2Ease of operation
If a separate mechanical pusher mechanism is used to move objects through the packaging frame, then object conveying is improved, but maintenance costs and operational simplicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural weight and movement of objects on the conveyor to push previous objects through the packaging frame. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex mechanical pushers, reducing maintenance requirements and improving operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex mechanical pusher mechanisms with a simple, low-cost system that uses the objects themselves and the conveyor's inherent dynamics. This substitution significantly reduces maintenance costs while improving ease of operation
3Device complexity
If the space between conveyors is used for packaging without intermediate conveying means, then device complexity is reduced, but object movement through the packaging frame becomes problematic for smaller articles
Solution Approach 1:
Subsequent objects on the conveyor automatically push previous objects through the packaging frame. This self-service pushing action ensures that even small articles move through the packaging space without requiring intermediate conveying means, maintaining productivity while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor operates in periodic cycles where objects are fed onto the conveyor, and subsequent objects periodically push previous objects through the packaging frame. This periodic pushing action ensures continuous throughput without requiring complex intermediate conveying mechanisms
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
Enables high-speed packaging of objects with hose-shaped stretch foil in a simple and cost-effective manner, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance costs while ensuring effective protection against environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular film portion is expanded or stretched. Expanding or stretching refers to a state where an elastic or elastic-plastic deforming of the tubular film occurs
Implementation Method 2
the product is packed therein as a result of the elastic resiliency of the tubular film portion
Implementation Method 3
The cutting is preferably achieved by heating the open end in conjunction with an occlusion of the stretch foil
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a packaging system, and use for packaging objects on a conveyor using a hose-shaped stretch foil of plastic material. A method, system, and use, where the hose-shaped stretch foil may be stretched around the objects in a horizontal manner. The packaging system comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor where first and second conveyors are arranged for conveying objects from said first conveyor to said second conveyor. The system comprises a foil dispensing mechanism arranged in a space between the first and the second conveyor, and being arranged for dispensing a continuous hose-shaped foil onto said conveyed objects. The method comprises the steps of: conveying a first object and a second object via the first conveyor in a first conveying direction towards said second conveyor; conveying the first object through the foil dispensing mechanism, hereby arranging the hose-shaped foil onto the first object; conveying the first object from the first conveyor to the second conveyor; and conveying the second object in a direction opposite the first conveying direction by a predefined distance, hereby arranging an equal distance between said first object and said second object in said space between said first conveyor and said second conveyor.