Stretch Hooding Machine Dual Spool Film Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stretch hooding machines for packaging pallets require additional motorizations and are not cost-effective when using multiple spools, limiting flexibility and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A stretch hooding machine design that allows the use of multiple spools without additional motorizations, featuring a supplying head with a motorized roller and idle rollers that alternate contact to select the appropriate spool based on the type of pallet, with a control unit managing the film selection and centering for proper hooding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two pairs of rollers with two distinct motorizations are used to manage film from two spools, then the machine can automatically switch between different film types, but the cost increases and the solution becomes less cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to use different film typesVSAvoidnumber of motorizations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the film supply function from two separate motorized systems into a single motorized roller system. The first idle roller and second idle roller both receive motion from the same motorized roller through frictional contact, eliminating the need for two distinct motorizations while maintaining the ability to supply film from two different spools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized roller serves multiple functions: it can contact either the first idle roller or the second idle roller to drive film supply from different spools. This universal driving mechanism allows the system to adapt to different film types without requiring dedicated motorizations for each spool configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two pairs of rollers with separate motorizations are implemented, then film from multiple spools can be processed, but the machine flexibility is reduced and productivity frequency is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespool change capabilityVSAvoidmachine frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic roller positioning where the first idle roller and second idle roller can alternately contact the motorized roller. This dynamic configuration allows rapid switching between spools without the mechanical inertia and complexity of two separate motorized systems, thereby maintaining high machine frequency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single motorized roller with idle rollers is used, then cost is reduced and simplicity is improved, but the ability to manage multiple spools is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorization systemVSAvoidmulti-spool capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The idle rollers act as intermediaries between the single motorized roller and the two different spools. The motorized roller transfers motion to the appropriate idle roller, which in turn drives the film supply from the corresponding spool. This intermediary mechanism enables multi-spool capability while maintaining a simple single-motorization system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible and efficient use of different film types without increasing costs, ensuring rapid and automatic spool changes, maintaining high productivity and proper packaging of pallets.

Implementation Method 1

a motorized roller, a first idle roller and at least a second idle roller free to rotate about their axis and suitable to be put in rotation by the contact with the motorized roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3501996B1Capping machine with double tubular film handling system
Publication Date: 2021.02.03 IMPAC
  • EP3501996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3501996B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3501996B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stretch hooding machine 1 for packaging pallets 200, comprising a warehouse 2 configured to hold at least one first spool 21 of first tubular film 100 and at least one second spool 22 of second tubular film 101, a film positioning cart 4, arranged to grasp a portion of first or second tubular film 100, 101 at an end and to fit said portion of first or second tubular film 100, 101 on the pallet 200, a film preparation cart 3 comprising a supplying head 5 arranged to withdraw the portion of first or second tubular film 100, 101 from the warehouse 2, characterized in that said supplying head 5 comprises a motorized roller 51, a first idle roller 52 and at least second idle roller 53 free to rotate about their axis and suitable to be put in rotation by the contact with the motorized roller 51, said first idle roller 52 being configured to withdraw and hold a portion of first tubular film 100 interposed between the first idle roller 52 and the motorized roller 51 and said at least second idle roller 53 configured to withdraw and hold a portion of second tubular film 101 interposed between the second idle roller 53 and the motorized roller 51.