Pasta Packaging Reel Assembly Transverse Volume Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pasta packaging machines with rotated reel assemblies increase transverse volume, leading to space constraints when machines are placed side-by-side, complicating maintenance and requiring adjustments to work stations.
Innovation Solution
A sliding device is used to modify the direction of the plastic film from longitudinal to transverse within the packaging machine, reducing transverse volume without altering the reel assembly's position or the arrangement of work stations, utilizing a hollow cylinder with air-assisted low-friction sliding and adjustable mounting for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the reel assembly is positioned outside at an end of a long side wall to feed plastic film directly into the forming tube, then the film feeding function is achieved, but the transverse volume of the packaging machine increases, reducing space between machines placed side-by-side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the reel assembly from an external position at the end of a long side wall to an internal position on the top surface of the containment frame, utilizing the transverse dimension more efficiently. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the film to be fed through a rotating reel assembly that directs film downward into the forming tube, reducing the machine's external transverse footprint while maintaining all necessary feeding functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of feeding film horizontally from an external reel assembly at the side wall, the patent inverts the feeding approach by positioning the reel assembly on the top surface and feeding film vertically downward through a rotating mechanism. This inversion allows the forming tube to remain in its original position while the reel assembly occupies space above the containment frame rather than extending the machine's transverse dimension.
2Volume of moving object
If the reel assembly is repositioned to reduce transverse volume, then space between machines is improved, but the arrangement of work stations such as the forming tube position may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating reel assembly serves multiple functions: it stores the plastic film reel, controls film unwinding through rotation, directs film downward into the forming tube, and can be positioned to accommodate the reduced transverse volume. This multi-functional design allows the reel assembly to perform film storage, feeding, and direction control while adapting to the compact machine layout without requiring modifications to the forming tube or other work station positions.
3Volume of moving object
If the reel assembly is repositioned to reduce transverse volume, then machine compactness is improved, but structural and functional modifications to the reel assembly may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The reel assembly incorporates a rotating mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of film feeding direction and reel orientation. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to maintain its compact form factor while adapting to different film feeding requirements, eliminating the need for complex structural modifications that would be required with a static repositioned reel assembly.
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 solution allows for continuous, steady, and low-friction film sliding, minimizing wear and energy consumption, while maintaining the original machine layout and functionality, thus addressing space constraints and facilitating maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow cylinder comprises three series of holes (12) aligned in the direction of the axis of cylinder (11)... The sliding of the plastic film over the cylinder is continuous, steady and has low friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pasta packaging machine (1) with a substantially parallelepiped volume is described, with a containment frame (4) having side walls which are parallel two-by-two, in particular two long side walls (41) and two short side walls (42), comprising a reel assembly (2) adapted to feed plastic film (9) for making bags in which to load the pasta. The reel assembly (2) is mounted outside a short side wall (42) and the packaging machine (1) further includes a sliding device (10) of the plastic film (9) adapted to modify the sliding direction of the still flat plastic film (9).