Sealing Apparatus with Rotating Suction for Wrapper Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing technologies are limited by manual operation, which restricts speed, uniformity, and production costs, and lack the ability to efficiently and automatically apply seals to both closed and open wrappers across various fields like food, medical, and cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus comprising a conveyor belt and a sealing machine with positioning and movement means, including rotating suction and gripper mechanisms, to automatically position and transport wrappers to an application head for precise and efficient seal application, capable of handling both closed and open wrappers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for seal application, then operational flexibility is maintained, but production speed and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect wrapper presence and positioning, with the conveyor belt and application head working autonomously to apply seals without manual intervention, enabling continuous high-speed operation while maintaining consistency
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with an automated system combining conveyor belt transport, sensor detection, and automated application head positioning, eliminating the need for manual operation while dramatically increasing production speed
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning is used, then adaptability to different wrapper types is maintained, but sealing precision and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect wrapper presence and positioning in real-time, providing feedback to the control system which adjusts the application head positioning accordingly, ensuring precise sealing for different wrapper types while maintaining uniformity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected wrapper characteristics, with the conveyor belt speed and application head positioning being automatically modified to accommodate different wrapper types while maintaining precise sealing
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented, then production efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions including transport, positioning, and timing coordination, while the application head integrates sealing and cutting operations, reducing the number of separate components needed and managing complexity through multi-functional design
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines sensor detection, conveyor transport, and seal application into an integrated automated sequence, merging multiple operations into a coordinated single system that improves efficiency while managing complexity through integration
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 apparatus enables automatic, precise, and efficient seal application, increasing production speed and reducing costs by synchronizing positioning and movement means with the conveyor belt, ensuring consistent sealing across different types and shapes of products.
Implementation Method 1
said rotating suction means defining said sealing portion of said wrapper by means of a rotation of said rotating end portion, said rotating suction means holding said sealing portion of said wrapper at said pick-up region
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing apparatus (1) adapted to apply a seal around a wrapper (3) of a product comprises a sealing machine (2), in turn including at least one application head (2a) adapted to apply the seal around the wrapper (3), and a conveyor belt (5) adapted to move the wrapper (3) towards the sealing machine (2). Conveniently, the apparatus (1) comprises positioning means (6) including at least one actuator (7, 13) adapted to position a sealing portion of the wrapper (3) at a pick-up region (P) of that apparatus (1), as well as movement means (10) adapted to transport the wrapper (3) from the pick-up region (P) towards the application head (2a) of the sealing machine (2) for applying the seal around this sealing portion.