Modular Heat Diffusion Unit for Shrink Sleeve Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-shrink installations for heat-shrinkable sleeves on supports are complex and difficult to maintain, with integral heat diffusion means that complicate access and replacement, leading to inefficiencies in heat distribution and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat-shrink installation with removable and adjustable steam heating means, where the heat diffusion unit is attached to the enclosure base via quick connection mechanisms, allowing for easy replacement and adjustment of diffusers and steam supply pipes, enhancing flexibility and reducing maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If heat diffusion means are integral with the enclosure walls, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance complexity and access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat diffusion means are divided into modular units that can be independently removed from the enclosure. Each heat diffusion unit can be detached and replaced separately, allowing maintenance without dismantling the entire enclosure structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat diffusion means are extracted from the enclosure walls and mounted on a separate conveyor structure. This extraction allows the heat diffusion units to be easily accessed, removed, and replaced while the enclosure remains intact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heat diffusion means are fixed to enclosure walls, then heat distribution stability is improved, but adaptability to different support types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat diffusion means are made dynamically adjustable through modular units that can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor path. The units can be moved to optimize heat distribution for different support types and sleeve configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular heat diffusion units are designed to be universally applicable to different support types (containers, bottles, etc.). The same unit can be repositioned and reconfigured to handle various product formats, eliminating the need for custom installations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heat diffusion means are accessible only through enclosure walls, then enclosure integrity is maintained, but intervention time and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat diffusion means are extracted from the enclosure and mounted on the conveyor structure, making them accessible from the side or top without compromising enclosure integrity. This allows quick intervention and replacement during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor structure serves as an intermediary carrier for the heat diffusion means, separating them from the enclosure walls while maintaining functional integration. This intermediary mounting allows easy access for maintenance while preserving enclosure integrity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If heat diffusion means are heavy and fixed, then structural stability is improved, but replacement frequency and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat diffusion means are segmented into smaller modular units that can be independently handled and replaced. This segmentation reduces the weight and complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall system stability through multiple distributed units.
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 modular design simplifies maintenance, reduces energy consumption, and allows for precise heat control, improving the efficiency and adaptability of heat-shrink processes for various support types, while minimizing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The heat diffusion means may for example comprise steam heating means which comprise steam diffusers fixed to the side walls of the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
heat diffusion means arranged in the enclosure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an installation for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a heat shrinkable material inserted on supports comprising a housing, heat diffusion means arranged in the housing, at least one conveyor for conveying the supports into the housing between an inlet of the housing and an outlet of the housing. According to the invention, the heat diffusion means form a unitary assembly removably attached to the base of the housing, the heat diffusion means comprising means for quick connection to heat-generating means that expel heat into the housing.