Pallet Wrapping System With Rotating Platform And Fixed Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palletized load wrapping systems are complex and costly due to the need for intricate movement mechanisms, leading to increased assembly, installation, and maintenance expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rotating platform with advancement means and a vertically moving wrapping head, equipped with cutting and joining mechanisms, allows for efficient wrapping by aligning the load with the wrapping head, cutting, and heat sealing the plastic film, reducing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating frame or vertical post with complex movement mechanisms is used to position the wrapping head, then the load can be wrapped effectively, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex movement mechanisms from the wrapping head positioning system and replaces them with a fixed rotating platform. The wrapping head remains stationary while the platform rotates to bring the load into position, eliminating the need for lifting and rotating mechanisms on the wrapping head itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the wrapping head to the load (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the wrapping head fixed and rotating the load on a platform to bring it into wrapping position. This reversal simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Extent of automation
If motorized roller units or chain conveyors are used to advance the load on the rotating platform, then automated loading is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating platform is designed to be manually rotatable by operators, eliminating the need for motorized advancement mechanisms. The simplicity of the manual rotation system reduces device complexity while still achieving automated wrapping once the load is in position.
3Ease of operation
If the wrapping head is mounted on horizontal guides to move near and away from the load, then wrapping operations can be performed, but assembly and maintenance costs increase notably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the horizontal movement mechanism from the wrapping head entirely. The wrapping head is mounted on a fixed support structure and remains stationary, eliminating the need for horizontal guides and associated assembly/maintenance complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the wrapping head horizontally to and from the load, the system inverts the approach by rotating the load into position while the wrapping head remains fixed, thereby eliminating the horizontal movement mechanism.
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 system simplifies the wrapping process, reduces costs, and enhances operational efficiency by automating the alignment and sealing of palletized loads, thereby lowering overall transportation expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The heat sealing pad is also mounted on the wrapping head which, in turn, is mounted on horizontal guides so it can be moved near to and away from the palletised load.
Data Source
AI summary
The process for wrapping loads, in particular palletised loads, comprises the following phases:providing a rotating platform that is suitable for receiving a load to be wrapped and which has advancement means for advancing the load in an advancing direction, and a movement machine for moving a wrapping head along a substantially vertical direction for co-operating with the rotating platform to wrap the load with a covering sheet, the wrapping head having cutting means for cutting the covering sheet to form a cut end, and joining means for connecting the cut end to the load;placing the load to be wrapped on the rotating platform;wrapping the load on the rotating platform with the covering sheet to define a stabilizing wrap;turning the rotating platform so the advancing direction is towards the wrapping head;advancing the wrapped load on the rotating platform in the direction approaching the wrapping head until located in proximity to the head itself; and thencutting the covering sheet to form a cut end;joining the cut end to the wrapped load.