Shrink Frame with Movable Side Walls for Stack Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrink frame devices for shrinking films onto stacks of goods are bulky, expensive, and inefficient in heat distribution, particularly when dealing with varying dimensions and require complex adjustments and multiple moving components, which increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A shrink frame with a cover plate and side walls that allows for adjustable gaps for heated gases to preheat the film, with the cover plate and side walls being movable to optimize heat distribution and recirculate heated gases back to the frame, reducing the need for high energy output from heating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shrink frames of different dimensions are kept available to process stacks of goods with larger differences in dimensions, then the adaptability to different stack sizes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shrink frame incorporates movable side walls that can be adjusted to different positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the same shrink frame to adapt to various stack dimensions by reconfiguring the side wall positions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size frames while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are divided into multiple segments or adjustable sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the shrink frame to be customized for different stack sizes by adjusting individual wall segments, providing adaptability without requiring entirely different frames for each dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shrink frames with movable shrink strips are used to adapt the distance between burners to the respective dimensions of the stack of goods, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to many moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The movable side walls serve multiple functions: they define the shrink frame boundaries, adjust the burning distance to the shrink film, and accommodate different stack dimensions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each parameter, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the thermal energy delivered to the shrink film is controlled by adjusting the distance of burners and energy output, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are pre-heated by the burners before the shrink film is exposed to the full heating cycle. This preliminary heating of the walls creates a thermal reservoir that subsequently heats the shrink film more efficiently, reducing the total energy required while maintaining precise temperature control throughout the shrinking process.
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 configuration effectively preheats the shrink film, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies the shrinking process by allowing for adjustable volume and heat recirculation, enhancing the efficiency of the shrinking process while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the shrink frame has a plurality of heating devices distributed over its circumference for heating the shrink film during the shrinking process
Implementation Method 2
between the stack of objects or between the lateral surfaces of the stack of objects and the side walls gaps are formed for the heated gases flowing to the cover plate
Implementation Method 3
the shrink film is a plastic film that can be shrunk onto the stack of goods under the influence of heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for shrinking a shrink film (1) onto a stack of goods (2), wherein a shrink frame (3) is provided, which can be moved on the stack of goods and which surrounds the stack of goods while the shrink film is shrunk on. The shrink frame has a plurality of heating apparatuses distributed over the perimeter of the shrink frame for heating the shrink film for the shrinking process. Furthermore, there is a cover plate (6) that covers the stack of goods and that is arranged in particular at a distance from the top side (7) of the stack of goods during the shrinking process. Side walls (11) extending along the stack of goods are provided between the shrink frame and the cover plate, and intermediate spaces for the heated gases flowing upward are formed between the stack of goods and the side walls. The cover plate can be moved toward the top side of the stack of goods and can be moved away from the top side of the stack of goods. The side walls form a frame, in particular a rigid frame, and the cover plate can be moved within said frame.