Straw Wrapping Machine Double-Line Web Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping machines using continuous webs of paper-based material for straw packaging experience frequent partial tearing at high operating speeds, leading to defective packages and machine interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping machine operating on a double line with two independent webs of paper-based material, where mechanical stresses are reduced by using side-by-side webs, and a gluing device ensures proper adhesion to minimize web deformation and tearing, allowing continuous operation without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous webs of paper-based material are used for wrapping straws at high operating speeds, then productivity is improved, but web tearing occurs frequently causing defective packages and machine interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wrapping process into two independent lines, each handling its own continuous web of wrapping material. This segmentation allows each web to be processed separately with reduced mechanical stress, preventing tearing while maintaining high overall productivity through parallel operation of both lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-line wrapping process to a double-line configuration, adding a dimensional aspect to the system. By operating two wrapping lines side by side, the machine achieves doubled productivity while each individual web experiences less deformation and stress, thereby maintaining web integrity
2Reliability
If mechanical stresses on the web are reduced by using side-by-side webs, then web tearing is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent wrapping lines into a single machine structure, sharing common components such as the hopper, pick-up drum, bending drum, and control system. This merging approach reduces the overall complexity that would result from having completely separate machines, while still maintaining the benefits of reduced mechanical stress on each web through the side-by-side configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and machine (6) for wrapping straws (1) providing: a preferably rotating wrapping conveyor (18) configured to advance, along a wrapping path (P), two seats (20) that are arranged side by side and are each suitable for housing a straw (1); a first feeding station (S6), which is arranged along the wrapping path (P) and is configured to feed into each seat (20) a portion of a first continuous web (21) of wrapping material that is arranged folded in a "U" shape inside the seat (20) to define a pocket; a transfer station (S5), which is arranged downstream of the first feeding station (S6) along the wrapping path (P) and is configured to transfer into each seat (20) a straw (1) that is placed inside a respective pocket; and a second feeding station (S7), which is arranged downstream of the transfer station (S5) along the wrapping path (P) and is configured to feed over each seat (20) a second continuous web (24) of wrapping material that closes each pocket containing a respective straw (1) thus completing the formation of a respective wrap (5). The first feeding station (S6) is configured to feed two first continuous webs (21) that are separated from one another and arranged side by side so that a first continuous web (21) is arranged at a right seat (20) and the other first continuous web (21) is arranged at a left seat (20).