Pallet Wrapping Feeder Device External Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet wrapping machines require the workspace to be unoccupied to perform maintenance, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity, especially when a pallet is being wrapped, as they need to be moved away and have complex, expensive structures for vertical movement.
Innovation Solution
The machine design allows for maintenance operations to be performed with a pallet present by incorporating a main frame with a movable feeder device that can slide externally, reducing the overall height and space requirements, enabling easier access and reducing the need for complex vertical movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper frame is moved to service position for maintenance, then maintenance operations can be performed from ground level, but the workspace must be unoccupied and the structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device is extracted from the upper frame and positioned externally on the side of the main frame. This allows maintenance personnel to access the feeder device from ground level without requiring the upper frame to be moved or the workspace to be cleared, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (on the upper frame) to a horizontal arrangement (externally on the side of the main frame). This dimensional change allows maintenance access from the side at ground level, eliminating the need for complex vertical movement mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the upper frame is moved vertically to service position, then maintenance can be performed without ladders, but operations must be suspended and pallets moved away
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device is extracted from the upper frame and positioned externally where it can be serviced from ground level. This allows maintenance to be performed on the feeder device without suspending wrapping operations or moving pallets away from the workspace, maintaining both safety and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The externally positioned feeder device acts as an intermediary element that can be serviced independently from the main wrapping operation. Maintenance personnel can access and service the feeder device from ground level while the wrapping operation continues uninterrupted in the workspace
3Ease of operation
If access ladders and walkways are added to the upper frame, then maintenance can be performed at height, but safety risks increase and space requirements grow
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device is extracted from the upper frame and positioned externally on the side of the main frame at ground level. This eliminates the need for access ladders and walkways to reach the feeder device, reducing both safety risks and the machine's footprint while maintaining full maintenance accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for the wrapping of pallets (P) by means of a stretchable film cap, comprising: a main frame (1) which defines a working area (A) of the machine; a traction device (2), predisposed for lowering the film cap and for fitting it onto the pallet (P); a feeder device (3) arranged to feed the film to the traction device (2); a cutting and welding device (4) of the film, arranged to cut and weld the film so as to obtain a cap closed at one end thereof;in which the feeder device (3) is movable along the frame (1) between an operating position, located superiorly to the main frame (1), and a service position, in which said feeder device is located at a given height from the ground, on one side of the main frame (1).The feeder device (3) is movable on an outside area of the main frame (1) and, when switching from the operating position to the service position, the feeder device (3) is maintained externally of the main frame (1), without cluttering the working area (A).