Movable Frame Packaging Unit Stacking and Wrapping Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing packaging units require separate steps for stacking and wrapping, leading to increased investment and operational costs, particularly in industries like cement and plastics where identical packaging units are often created.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable frame that integrates both stacking and wrapping functions, allowing for the simultaneous formation and encasing of packaging units using a vertically movable frame with a reefing device and a spreading device for film material, enabling both processes to be performed at a single position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate stacking and wrapping devices are used, then each process can be performed independently, but investment costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stacking device and wrapping device into a single integrated device. The frame structure serves both as the stacking frame for forming layers of packaging objects and as the wrapping frame for encasing the stack with film material. This merging eliminates the need for separate stacking and wrapping equipment, reducing investment costs while maintaining independent process capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the stacking frame and wrapping frame. The same structural elements (uprights, cross-members, guides) are utilized for both stacking operations and wrapping operations. This universal design reduces the overall number of components needed while enabling both processes to be performed independently within the single device.
2Ease of operation
If stacking and wrapping are performed in separate stations, then process steps are clearly separated, but the number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stacking station and wrapping station into a single integrated station. The frame remains in the same position throughout both operations, eliminating the need for physical relocation of the stack between separate stations. The loading slide moves between a loading position and a stacking position within the same frame structure, enabling both processes at one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading slide is designed to be movable between different positions (loading position and stacking position) within the same frame. This dynamic element allows the device to switch between stacking operations and wrapping operations without requiring separate stationary stations, maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If a vertically movable frame is used for stacking, then stacking can be performed efficiently, but the frame must also accommodate wrapping functions
Solution Approach 1:
The vertically movable frame is designed to perform both stacking and wrapping functions. The same vertical movement capability that enables efficient stacking (by bringing the loading slide to different heights for layer formation) is also utilized for wrapping (by moving the frame vertically to encase the completed stack with film material). This multi-functionality maintains productivity while avoiding the need for separate movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame's vertical movability is a dynamic feature that serves dual purposes: during stacking, it enables the loading slide to reach different heights for forming multiple layers; during wrapping, it enables the frame to encase the completed stack. This single dynamic mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate positioning systems for stacking and wrapping.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a unit for encasing the product stack comprising a rolling device for rolling and covering a tube hood over the product stack. A frame (12) forms a contact surface (24) for packing objects within the frame and the frame is placed in a position adjacent to the product stack. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a packing unit consisting of multiple packing objects stacked at a product stack.