Robotic Arm Wrapping System for Taut Folio Ream Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for wrapping larger folio reams of paper struggle to maintain sufficient tension and prevent deformations, bumps, and wrinkles during the wrapping process, leading to inefficiencies and damage to the wrap sheet.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing robotic arms to position and secure a wrap sheet around a folio ream, maintaining tautness by simultaneously pulling and rotating the sheet's corners to form a seamless top seal, ensuring consistent tension and preventing imperfections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wrapping devices (vacuum bar, roller, or brush) are used to fold the wrap sheet, then the wrapping process can be performed, but the wrap sheet develops deformations, bumps, and wrinkles due to inability to maintain sufficient tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wrapping devices (vacuum bars, rollers, brushes) with a robotic arm system. The robotic arm dynamically adjusts its position and applies controlled forces to the wrap sheet corners, enabling precise tension control while avoiding the deformations caused by conventional devices. The robotic arm's programmable motion allows it to maintain optimal tension throughout the wrapping process, eliminating bumps and wrinkles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical contact (as in traditional devices) to dynamic force control. By monitoring and adjusting the tension forces applied to the wrap sheet corners in real-time, the system maintains optimal tension levels throughout the wrapping process, preventing deformations while ensuring complete wrapping coverage.
2Device complexity
If the wrap sheet is allowed to be loose during wrapping, then the wrapping process is simpler, but insufficient wrapping is achieved due to lack of stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by securing robotic arms to the four corners of the wrap sheet before the wrapping process begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a tension control framework that guides the entire wrapping operation, ensuring the sheet remains taut and properly positioned throughout the process, thereby achieving reliable and complete wrapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control by monitoring the tension and position of the wrap sheet during wrapping. The robotic arm adjusts its forces and movements based on real-time measurements, ensuring the sheet maintains sufficient stiffness and tension for complete wrapping while adapting to any variations in the wrapping process.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual correction of wrap sheet deformations is performed, then wrapping quality can be improved, but the wrapping process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system performs self-service by automatically detecting and correcting wrap sheet deformations during the wrapping process. Through real-time force control and position adjustment, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention, maintaining high wrapping quality while preserving fast wrapping speeds. The robotic arm dynamically compensates for any sheet irregularities without requiring external correction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system (10,100) for automatically wrapping a sheet of material (16). The method includes securing a robotic arm (24,124) to at least one corner of a wrap sheet (22) and controlling a tension of the wrap sheet via the robotic arm by simultaneously pulling the at least one corner of the wrap sheet to ensure a taut condition of the wrap sheet. The method further includes securing a lower flap (28) of the wrap sheet to a top portion of the sheet of material (16) via the robotic arm and simultaneously applying the same force to each portion of the wrap sheet (22) to maintain the taut position of the wrap sheet. The method also includes affixing an upper flap (32) to the lower flap (28) of the wrap sheet (22) via the at least one robotic arm to form a seam.