Shuttle Change System for Wrapping Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wrapping apparatuses require labor-intensive and time-consuming procedures to replace film rolls, necessitating the shutdown of machines and removal of tracks from the coil, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle change system that allows for the replacement of film rolls without removing the track from the coil, utilizing a carrier with parallel track sections to support and align shuttles, enabling quick substitution of a ready replacement shuttle while the track remains in place, and automated control systems to minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the track is removed from the coil to replace the film roll, then the film roll can be replaced, but the machine downtime increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the track into multiple sections with multiple shuttles, allowing one shuttle to be replaced while others continue operating. The track is segmented into at least two sections, with at least two shuttles, enabling independent replacement of individual shuttles without stopping the entire wrapping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A spare shuttle is pre-positioned on the track in readiness. When a shuttle needs replacement, the pre-positioned spare shuttle can be quickly swapped in without requiring track removal or complex setup procedures, significantly reducing replacement time.
2Ease of manufacture
If the track is removed from the coil to replace the film roll, then the film roll can be replaced, but the labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables quick shuttle replacement through a simplified process where shuttles can be exchanged without removing the track from the coil. The multi-shuttle configuration allows operators to simply swap shuttles on the existing track, making the replacement process self-contained and much easier to perform.
3Device complexity
If a single shuttle is used on the track, then the structure is simpler, but the film roll replacement requires track removal and causes downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into multiple sections with multiple shuttles operating independently. This segmentation allows continuous operation even when one shuttle needs film replacement, as other shuttles continue wrapping. The system maintains relatively simple individual shuttle structures while achieving high productivity through multi-shuttle parallel operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A shuttle change system for use in a wrapping apparatus for wrapping an associated item is disclosed. The wrapping apparatus includes a shuttle that moves along the inner periphery of a track dispensing a wrapping material. The shuttle change system includes a carrier and a pair of track sections mounted to the carrier. The track sections are spaced from one another and parallel to one another, each adapted to support a shuttle. The carrier is moveable vertically, longitudinally and laterally to align either of the pair of tracks with the cantilevered base portion of the track. One of the tracks is adapted to receive a shuttle to be replaced and the other of the tracks is adapted to store a replacement shuttle for movement onto the track. The carrier is movable away from the track to permit the openable track portion to open and close without interference.