Pass-through Conveyor for Even Stretch Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping equipment struggles to handle a wide range of object sizes and materials efficiently, often causing damage due to uneven wrapping and limited flexibility, especially when dealing with fragile or large objects.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through conveyor system with angled side V-belts and a wrapping material conveyor that moves in the opposite direction of the object conveyor, allowing the wrapping material to be deposited with reduced tension and minimized contact with the conveyor, thereby preventing dragging and ensuring even application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the wrapping material is deposited on a conventional conveyor moving in the same direction as the object, then the wrapping material may be trapped or move forward incorrectly, but this causes uneven wrapping and physical stress on the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by having the wrapping material conveyor move in the opposite direction to the object conveyor. The wrapping material is deposited on a conveyor that travels backward relative to the object's forward movement, which prevents the material from being trapped and ensures even wrapping without excessive physical stress on the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wrapping system into separate functional components: an object conveyor for transporting the object forward, and a wrapping material conveyor for delivering the wrapping material. These two conveyors operate independently with opposite directions, allowing precise control over the wrapping process and eliminating the problems of trapped material.
2Reliability
If the wrapping material is tightly applied around the object, then stability and protection are improved, but fragile objects may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the wrapping material application by using a loosely applied material that is later shrunk. The wrapping material is initially applied in a relaxed state on the backward-moving conveyor, then heated to shrink around the object. This parameter change allows tight wrapping for stability without the damage of forced tight application during deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by loosely applying the wrapping material around the object before shrinking. The material is deposited in a relaxed state, allowing it to conform to the object's shape without exerting excessive force, and then heat is applied to shrink it to the final tight wrapping configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wrapping equipment is designed for flexible application to handle various object sizes, then versatility is improved, but the equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a wrapping system where the orbital wrapping mechanism can accommodate objects of various sizes and the dual-conveyor system can be adjusted to handle different object dimensions. The opposing direction conveyors work together to provide consistent wrapping across diverse object types without requiring complex reconfiguration.
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
This configuration enables the use of a variety of wrapping materials and handles diverse object sizes effectively, reducing physical stress and improving the protective qualities of the wrapping process, allowing for safer and more efficient transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The wrapping material includes various resilient films (e.g., plastic/polymer films) that in some cases are designed for elastic recovery around an object
Implementation Method 2
In some cases, the loosely applied materials can then be 'shrunk' using an external trigger (e.g., heat) to shrink around the object
Data Source
AI summary
A device and corresponding systems and methods are provided for wrapping an object resting on an object conveyor defining an object path, the object conveyor conveying the object in a forward direction along the object path, the device comprising: an orbital wrapping mechanism configured to travel in an elliptical path around the object path and to deposit a stretch wrapping material; a wrapping material conveyor configured for cooperation with the object conveyor, the wrapping material conveyor positioned beneath the object conveyor such that when the orbital wrapping mechanism travels along the elliptical path, the orbital wrapping mechanism deposits the stretch wrapping material around both at least a portion of the object and at least a portion of the wrapping material conveyor, the wrapping material conveyor having at least one bearing surface in contact with the stretch wrapping material and movable in a forward direction such that the stretch wrapping material is conveyed along with the object in the forward direction.