Center Divider for Shrink Oven Air Flow Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat shrink wrap packaging ovens face issues with air flow turbulence, premature film contact, and maintenance challenges due to flexible hoses and movable air boxes, which compromise package quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A swing divider system with solid ducts and a deflector mechanism is introduced, allowing for controlled hot air distribution and adjustable conveyor tracks, eliminating the need for flexible hoses and reducing turbulence, ensuring a tighter and better-looking package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable air box with flexible hoses is used in the shrink wrap oven, then the air flow can be adjusted, but maintenance becomes difficult and package quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the movable air box component entirely and replaces it with a fixed air distribution system. The air flow adjustment is achieved through a fixed center divider with adjustable air outlets, eliminating the need for flexible hoses and movable components that require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical movable air box system with a fixed structural solution. The center divider is a stationary component with integrated air outlets that can be adjusted to different positions, eliminating the need for flexible hoses and complex mechanical adjustments.
2Use of energy by moving object
If holes are placed on either side of the upper component to discharge air, then air flow is provided, but turbulent airflow causes the film to flutter and contact the package prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air flow discharge into a centralized system through the center divider. Instead of having holes on both sides of an upper component, the air is discharged through controlled outlets in the center divider, which segments the airflow into manageable streams that reduce turbulence and prevent film fluttering.
Solution Approach 2:
The center divider acts as an intermediary component between the air source and the package. It controls and directs the air flow in a controlled manner, preventing the turbulent airflow that would otherwise cause the film to flutter and contact the package prematurely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper component is mounted to be movable from the middle of the oven to the side, then it can be used for single track packages, but it compromises the quality of the package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the center divider, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the conveyor. This enables the same fixed component to adapt to both single track and dual track package configurations without compromising quality, as the divider can be positioned optimally for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The center divider is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions: it provides air flow control for both single track and dual track packages, and can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor. This eliminates the need for separate components for different package types while maintaining consistent package quality.
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 solution provides improved air flow control, reduces maintenance, and ensures consistent package quality by preventing film fluttering and allowing for efficient handling of single or dual track products, enhancing the overall packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
heat such as supplied by a heater device is applied to the load via a blower with the heat acting to shrink the film through convection
Implementation Method 2
The deflector converts the jets of air from the lower end of the deflector into one or more smooth air flows
Data Source
AI summary
Heat shrink wrap product packaging oven or tunnel apparatus and processing methods are provided which incorporate or utilize a central divider mechanism. The central divider moves over a conveyor between a vertical, dual track position, and a retracted, single track position. The divider can additionally include a curved deflector that focuses and/or smooths air flow from the divider laterally across the dual track conveyance path.