Wrapping Machine Cover Sheet Lifting for Continuous Film Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping machines face challenges in ensuring reliable load insulation and high production rates due to the need to reposition a pressor device during the wrapping cycle, which affects stability and increases cycle time.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping machine with a pressor device that retains the cover sheet on the upper surface throughout the wrapping process, combined with lifting means to keep side portions of the cover sheet horizontal, allowing for continuous wrapping without detaching the pressor device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressor device is detached from the pallet during cover sheet application, then the cover sheet can be applied to the top surface, but the load stability deteriorates and the wrapping cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressor device is segmented into multiple independent pressing elements distributed across the pallet top surface. Each element can independently apply pressure to different regions, allowing the cover sheet to be applied while maintaining load stability through distributed pressure points rather than a single centralized pressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover sheet is applied to the top surface of the load before the wrapping operation begins. The sheet-laying apparatus places the cover sheet in advance, and then the segmented pressor elements are lowered to secure it in position before wrapping starts, eliminating the need to detach and reattach the pressor during the cycle.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pressor device remains in operating position during wrapping, then load stability is maintained, but the side portions of the cover sheet must be repeatedly lifted and folded
Solution Approach 1:
The side portions of the cover sheet are made dynamically positionable through lifting means that can raise and lower them as needed during the wrapping process. This allows the cover sheet to adapt its configuration dynamically - remaining flat when not interfering with wrapping, and being lifted when necessary to allow film application, while the pressor remains stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
Lifting means act as intermediary elements between the cover sheet side portions and the wrapping film. These lifting mechanisms temporarily elevate the cover sheet edges to allow the wrapping film to pass underneath, then lower them back into position, mediating the interaction between the stationary pressor and the wrapping operation.
3Reliability
If the wrapping film is applied over the side portions of the cover sheet, then complete load insulation is achieved, but the cover sheet must be repositioned multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping operation continues without interruption in terms of film application. The lifting means temporarily raise the cover sheet side portions only when the wrapping film needs to pass underneath, allowing continuous wrapping motion. The pressor remains continuously engaged with the load, maintaining stability throughout the entire wrapping cycle without detachment or repositioning.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Wrapping machine (100) for wrapping a palletised load (500) comprising, a wrapping apparatus (30) configured to support and unwind a reel (520) of protective packaging material (510) in particular an extensible film to be wrapped around a side surface (504) of the palletised load (500), a positioning device (20) of a cover sheet (530), said cover sheet (530) being adapted to cover an upper surface (505) of the palletised load (500) and comprising side portions ( 531) which protrude from said upper surface (505) and which fold downwards near the side surface (504) in particular along fold lines (531a) at edges (505a) of said upper surface (505), characterised in that the wrapping machine (100) further comprises a pressor device (40) for retaining the cover sheet (530) on the upper surface (505) of the palletised load (500), preferably exerting a vertical direction force and comprises lifting means (200) for lifting the side portions (531) of the cover sheet (530) moving them away from the side surface (504) of the palletised load (500).