Modular AGV Wrapping Machine for Load Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled wrapping machines are expensive and inflexible, requiring significant investment and struggling to evenly wrap loads of varying sizes and compositions.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective self-propelled wrapping machine design that utilizes an automatic guided vehicle and a modular wrapping apparatus, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and employs an interface system for communication and power transmission, enabling efficient and flexible wrapping of loads using a standard AGV already available in industrial settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-propelled wrapping machine is designed to be fully integrated and autonomous, then wrapping automation and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping system is divided into two independent modules: a standard AGV for movement and a wrapping apparatus for film application. The AGV can operate independently to transport loads, while the wrapping apparatus attaches only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automation without requiring a fully integrated complex machine, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining wrapping automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform both transport tasks and wrapping operations. By equipping the AGV with an attachable wrapping apparatus, the same vehicle serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wrapping machines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation level.
2Manufacturing precision
If a self-propelled wrapping machine is designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing precision and wrapping consistency are improved, but adaptability to different load sizes and compositions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping apparatus incorporates adjustable components including variable-speed rollers and reconfigurable film paths that can adapt to different load dimensions. The AGV itself can adjust its speed and positioning dynamically based on load characteristics, maintaining consistent wrapping quality across varying load sizes and compositions without requiring a fixed rigid structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple self-propelled wrapping machines are deployed to handle various loads, then adaptability to different load sizes is improved, but investment cost and device complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
A single AGV platform is designed to perform multiple functions including transport, wrapping, and potential reconfiguration for different load types. This universal platform eliminates the need for deploying multiple specialized machines, achieving load size versatility while significantly reducing system investment and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping apparatus can be detached from the AGV when wrapping operations are not needed, allowing the AGV to be reused for transport tasks. This recoverable attachment system maximizes resource utilization and reduces the need for additional dedicated equipment, lowering overall investment cost while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled wrapping machine movable around a load to wrap the load with a film of plastic material, comprises a wrapping apparatus, which includes a supporting base, a column fixed thereto and an unwinding unit slidably supported by the column and suitable to supply the film unwound from a reel; and an automatic guided vehicle movable and arranged to be reversibly and automatically coupled to the supporting base in an assembled condition of the self-propelled wrapping machine to support and move the wrapping apparatus around the load and enable to wrap the load with the film.