Multi-Sensor Testing Vehicle for Shrink Film Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems fail to accurately measure forces exerted by shrink films at multiple locations during the shrinking process, leading to potential product damage from over-shrinking or unsecured packages due to under-shrinking, as they do not account for force fluctuations and variations across the film.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a testing vehicle with multiple force sensors positioned at various locations on a three-dimensional frame structure that moves through a shrink film processing unit, allowing for the measurement of forces in multiple directions during heating and cooling cycles, providing a comprehensive analysis of force distribution and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-point force measurement systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of force data are insufficient because they cannot capture force variations at multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force measurement system into multiple independent force sensors positioned at different locations on the testing vehicle (e.g., top, bottom, sides). Each sensor independently measures local force, and the combined data provides comprehensive force distribution information, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point (0D) or line measurement (1D) to multi-point spatial measurement (3D) by positioning force sensors at multiple locations throughout the testing vehicle. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive capture of force variations in all spatial dimensions, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor placement.
2Reliability
If shrink film is applied with high force to secure products, then the packaging reliability is improved, but the products or film may be damaged due to over-shrinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time force measurement feedback during the shrink film application process. Force sensors continuously monitor the force exerted by the shrink film on the testing vehicle, and this data is fed back to control the shrinking process. When force thresholds are approached, the system can adjust processing parameters to prevent damage, ensuring both packaging security and product integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multi-point force measurement to detect local force concentrations that may indicate impending damage. By measuring force at multiple locations, the system can identify areas where force becomes excessive before actual damage occurs, allowing for partial adjustment of the shrinking process to prevent harmful effects while maintaining overall packaging security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shrink film is applied with low force to prevent damage, then product safety is maintained, but the packages may become unsecured and products can fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time force measurement system provides feedback on the actual force being applied by the shrink film. This enables dynamic adjustment of processing parameters to maintain force within the optimal range - sufficient to secure products but not excessive to cause damage. The feedback loop ensures both product safety and packaging security are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes force measurement data to identify optimal processing parameters (temperature, time, pressure) that achieve the desired force level for securing products without causing damage. By changing and optimizing these parameters based on measured force characteristics, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing damage and ensuring security.
4Measurement precision
If force sensors are positioned at multiple locations on the testing vehicle, then the measurement precision and comprehensiveness of force data are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing vehicle into multiple measurement zones with force sensors positioned at strategically selected locations (e.g., top, bottom, sides). This segmentation approach captures the essential force distribution characteristics without requiring sensors at every possible location, balancing measurement comprehensiveness with system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensors serve multiple functions: measuring local force magnitude, detecting force direction, identifying force fluctuations over time, and providing data for process optimization. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of multiple sensors, as each sensor provides comprehensive information about local conditions rather than just a single measurement parameter.
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
This solution enables more accurate force measurements across the shrink film, allowing for improved processing conditions to produce robust and secure packages without damaging the film or products, by identifying force fluctuations and integrity issues during the shrinking process.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the forces applied by the shrink film on the testing vehicle with the force sensors
Implementation Method 2
processing the wrapped testing vehicle by shrinking the shrink film around the testing vehicle as the testing vehicle moves through the shrink film processing unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
According to one embodiment described herein, the forces of a shrink film may be measured. The method of measuring the forces may include providing a shrink film processing unit and a testing vehicle moveable within the shrink film processing unit, positioning a shrink film around the testing vehicle, processing the wrapped testing vehicle by shrinking the shrink film around the testing vehicle as the testing vehicle moves through the shrink film processing unit, and measuring the forces applied by the shrink film on the testing vehicle with one or more force sensors at multiple separate sensor positions on the exterior of the testing vehicle during processing, after processing, or both.