Radial Pliers Mechanism for Wrapping Machine Article Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrapping machines are unable to properly orient and position delicate, bulky items like chocolate-coated cherries with liqueur for efficient wrapping, as existing pliers wheels fail to provide adequate space for wrapping sheets and can cause damage due to excessive stress and loss of synchronism during handling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a discoidal support body on a vertical rotating shaft, equipped with twelve pliers means connected to the support body, featuring jaws with a flexible lamina and radial rotation, allowing for smooth movement and orientation of articles, including chocolate-coated cherries, to facilitate precise positioning and handling without damaging the products or losing synchronism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pliers wheels are used for handling articles, then the wrapping process can be performed, but the products cannot be properly oriented and positioned for efficient wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers means are made capable of radial rotation around the vertical axis, transforming from a static gripping mechanism to a dynamic one that can actively orient and position articles during the wrapping process, thereby achieving both precision and operational efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If conventional pliers wheels are used, then wrapping can be performed, but sufficient space for positioning wrapping sheet members is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces radial rotation capability around the vertical axis, adding a new dimensional degree of freedom to the pliers means. This enables the system to provide adequate space for positioning wrapping sheet members while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled rotational movement
3Reliability
If conventional pliers wheels are used for handling, then articles can be moved, but excessive stress is applied causing damage to articles and machine
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic radial rotation capability allows the pliers means to smoothly guide and orient articles during movement, distributing mechanical stress more evenly and preventing sudden impacts or jerky motions that could damage delicate articles while maintaining efficient handling speed
4Reliability
If conventional pliers wheels are used, then wrapping operations can be performed, but loss of synchronism occurs during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The radial rotation mechanism is synchronized with the vertical axis rotation, creating a coordinated dynamic system that maintains precise timing and synchronism throughout the handling process, ensuring smooth operation without loss of synchronization
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for moving an article (2) to be wrapped by means of a machine, comprises a support body (3) centrally fixed on a vertical rotation shaft (4). The device (1) is provided with at least a pliers means (5) connected, for turning with it, to the support body (3) and provided with at least two jaws (6, 7) and with opening means (8) connected to at least one of the jaws (6, 7) to hold and to release the article (2). At least one pliers means (5) is connected to the support body (3) by means of respective rotation means (9) for rotating said at least one pliers means (5) and the article hold thereby, around an axis almost radial in respect to the support body (3). When the article, in a predetermined inlet position facing the at least one pliers means (5), is positioned between the jaws (6, 7) of said opened pliers means, at least one of said jaws takes it following the closure of said at least one of said jaws made by the opening means (8). The support body (3) and the rotation means (9) rotate the at least one pliers means (5) and the article (2) respectively around the vertical axis and the radial axis of the support body until the article reaches a predetermined position and a predetermined outlet orientation. In said predetermined position and orientation the opening means (8) opens the pliers means (5) releasing the article correctly positioned for successive workings.