Movable Winding Head Layout for Faster Pallet Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping machines for palletized loads face inefficiencies in cycle time due to the large distance between the film coil and the load, leading to increased machine cycle time and complexity, particularly in handling loads of varying dimensions, and require complex maintenance and programming for anthropomorphic robots.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping machine with a vertically movable lifting body and horizontally shifting winding head, allowing closer proximity to the load, reducing cycle time and enabling easier maintenance and programming flexibility by standardizing operations across different pallet and film types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the winding head is positioned at a large distance from the load to handle various pallet dimensions, then the machine can accommodate different load sizes, but the cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The winding head is made movable along the gantry structure, transitioning from a fixed position to a dynamic, adjustable position. This allows the winding head to be repositioned horizontally to match different pallet widths, reducing the distance to the load and thereby decreasing cycle time while maintaining versatility across various pallet dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The winding head assembly is segmented from the fixed gantry structure, allowing it to move independently along the gantry. This segmentation enables the winding head to be positioned optimally for each specific pallet size, reducing unnecessary travel distance and improving productivity without sacrificing adaptability
2Reliability
If the winding head is positioned far from the load to ensure mechanical safety, then interference with support means is avoided, but the distance increases cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The winding head is equipped with dynamic positioning capability along the gantry, allowing it to move to the precise location needed for each wrapping operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures mechanical safety by positioning the winding head appropriately for each load while minimizing unnecessary distance, thereby reducing cycle time
3Device complexity
If a fixed winding head position is used, then the machine structure is simpler, but the distance to the load increases and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A relatively simple dynamic mechanism is implemented, allowing the winding head to move along the gantry structure. This adds minimal complexity to the overall machine while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the distance between the winding head and the load, thereby decreasing cycle time
Data Source
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AI summary
Wrapping machine (100) for wrapping a palletised load (500) by means of a protective wrapping material (510) in particular a stretch film, said palletised load (500) comprising a support pallet (501) on which a plurality of products are stacked, said machine (100) comprising: support means (20) for supporting the palletised load (500) configured to hold it and/or shift it into an operating position for wrapping and to make said palletised load (500) rotate according to an axis of vertical symmetry (X), comprising a winding head (10) configured to support and unwind a coil (520) of film (510), comprising a lifting body (30) comprising a bearing structure (31) extending vertically, said lifting body (30) comprises a shifting apparatus (35) vertically movable along said bearing structure (31) and adapted to support and shift in a horizontal direction the winding head (10), when moving closer to/away from the support means (20) and/or from the palletized load (500).