Rotating Pallet Wrapping Machine for Complete Film Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines fail to wrap plastic film around the lower faces of packages on pallets, leaving them unprotected, require significant operator time for top covering, and make it difficult to replace the pallet after wrapping, and do not allow for easy movement of the pallet before or after wrapping.
Innovation Solution
A machine with rotating platforms and motorized components that automatically wraps film around all faces of a package, including the lower faces, using a base with wheels and clamping mechanisms to secure the pallet and package, allowing for easy pallet substitution and minimizing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the film is wrapped around the side faces of the package using known machines, then the side faces are protected, but the lower portion of the package remains unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base support that rotates 90 degrees to change the wrapping dimension from horizontal (side faces only) to vertical (including lower portion). This dimensional change allows the film to cover the previously inaccessible lower area of the package while maintaining the same wrapping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The base support is designed to be rotatable between horizontal and vertical positions, transforming a static wrapping system into a dynamic one. This rotation capability enables the machine to adapt the wrapping orientation and achieve complete package coverage including the lower portion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator manually prepares the top covering, then complete coverage is achieved, but significant operator time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs the top covering operation automatically through the rotation of the base support and automated film application, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically completing the coverage that previously required human labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The base support is positioned and rotated in advance to prepare the package for complete wrapping, including the top covering phase. This preliminary positioning enables the automated application of film to all surfaces without requiring subsequent manual adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the film is wrapped tightly around the package, then protection is improved, but pallet substitution becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping process is segmented into distinct phases: side face wrapping, base support rotation, and lower portion wrapping. This segmentation allows the film to be applied in sections, creating a protective barrier without completely immobilizing the package-pallet assembly, thus enabling future pallet substitution if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base support creates a dynamic wrapping system that can adjust its position and orientation. This flexibility ensures that the film is applied in a controlled manner that provides protection while maintaining the ability to move or replace the pallet, as the wrapping mechanism can adapt to different positions.
4Ease of operation
If known machines with rotating platform or mobile truck are used, then side wrapping is achieved, but pallet movement before or after wrapping is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The machine separates the wrapping function from the pallet support function by using an independent rotatable base support. This segmentation allows the pallet to remain stationary during wrapping while the base support provides the necessary motion, enabling pallet movement before or after the wrapping operation without restricting pallet mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base support acts as an intermediary between the stationary machine body and the pallet. It provides the rotational motion needed for complete wrapping while allowing the pallet to be moved independently before or after the wrapping process, thus maintaining pallet adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A machine for wrapping a package made of a set of boxes, objects, containers and similar, supported by a pallet, comprises at least: - a base means (2), fit to match with a fixed structure or with a floor defining a base plane; first rotation means (3) having a first portion fixed to the base means (2) and a second rotating portion, in respect to the first one, around a first axis (R1) parallel to the base plane, said second portion being driven by respective rotating motor means of the first rotation means (3); - a support means (5) connected to the second portion of the first rotation means(3); a grabbing means (6) for the pallet, laying onto a plane almost parallel to the first rotation axis and connected to the support means (5); a first rotating platform means (7) for the support or the rotation of the package around a first wrapping axis almost perpendicular to the base plane and fixed to the support means (5) perpendicularly to the first rotation axis and to the plane defined by the grabbing means (6) and adjacent to this latter; a second rotating platform means (8) for the support and the rotation around a second wrapping axis almost perpendicular to the base plane and fixed to the support means (5) parallel to the first rotation axis and to the plane defined by the grabbing means (6); - an unrolling means (9) for a web of film and/or tape for the package wrapping.