Pivoting Ring Holder for Faster Coiled Material Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging coiled materials, such as steel coils, are cumbersome and inefficient due to the large size and weight of the coils, requiring multiple workers to manually place packaging, which is difficult for workers of average or small stature.
Innovation Solution
A ring holder apparatus and method that uses a pivoting mechanism to secure packaging onto a coiled material, combined with a tail gripper and vacuum suction to efficiently cover the coil with packaging, allowing for automated or manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers manually place packaging over coiled material, then packaging can be applied to protect the coil, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient requiring multiple workers
Solution Approach 1:
A ring holder apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the packaging material and the coiled material. The ring holder is positioned over the coil and packaging is fed through it, allowing automated or semi-automated packaging application without requiring workers to manually lift and position large packaging pieces over the coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of workers lifting and positioning packaging is replaced by a mechanical system consisting of the ring holder, packaging dispenser, and feed mechanism. This automated mechanical system handles the packaging material and guides it through the coil, eliminating the need for multiple workers to manually manipulate the packaging.
2Ease of operation
If workers manually handle large packaging pieces, then packaging can be secured on the coil, but the process requires multiple personnel making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging application system is segmented into distinct functional components: a ring holder for positioning, a packaging dispenser for material supply, a feed mechanism for guiding packaging through the coil, and a tail gripper for securing the end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying operation while maintaining systematic complexity for automated functionality.
3Productivity
If packaging is manually placed over the coil, then the coil is protected, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is pre-positioned on the ring holder before the coil is placed on the packaging line. The ring holder is prepared with the packaging material already attached, so that when the coil is positioned, the packaging is ready to be fed through immediately, eliminating setup time and accelerating the packaging process.
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
Enables quick and efficient packaging of coiled materials by reducing the need for manual labor, improving productivity and ease of use, especially for workers of average or small stature.
Implementation Method 1
suction may be applied to the tail end of the packaging through a center opening of the coiled material using a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A ring holder for packaging coiled materials and method of use thereof are provided. The ring holder is configured to secure packaging thereon and is supported on a front trolley and packaging trolley line for movement over a coiled material. The ring holder is pivotable on the front trolley between a stowed and active position. A packaging tail gripper is mounted on a rear trolley and follows the front trolley on the packaging trolley line. The tail gripper is configured for rotation and twisting a tail of the packaging prior to suctioning the tail through a core of the coiled material. A packaging dispenser is provided for dispensing packaging onto the ring holder. The tail gripper may be seated within the packaging dispenser. The ring holder allows for packaging to be secured quickly and efficiently relative to the cumbersome process of manually placing packaging over coiled materials.