Tensioning Fin Mechanism for Pallet Wrap Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machines for stabilizing palletized loads using cellulose-based tapes face issues with transverse tensions causing ripping or tears, and at high winding speeds, the tapes may lose tension, forming loops and ripples that fail to adhere properly to the load, reducing stability.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates tensioning fins with springs to maintain tension on the tape, ensuring it remains taut by rotating against the tape's edge if it loses tension, and uses a spatula to firmly fix the tape's end, along with a SCARA robot for precise orientation and movement to avoid transverse tensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the second movement apparatus allows the functional arrangement to vary its orientation with respect to an oscillation axis perpendicular to the revolution axis, then transverse tensions on the covering tape are reduced, but at high winding speeds the functional arrangement is slow to adapt to variations in inclination, causing the longitudinal edges of the covering tape to lose tension and form loops and ripples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic tensioning system with tensioning fins that can actively adjust and maintain tape tension during the winding process. The tensioning fins are movable elements that apply localized force to the tape edges, dynamically compensating for tension losses that occur at high winding speeds, thereby maintaining reliable tape tension throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies tensioning fins at specific locations where tension loss occurs most critically - at the longitudinal edges of the covering tape. This localized application of tensioning force addresses the specific problem areas without requiring global system changes, efficiently preventing loops and ripples at the tape edges while maintaining overall system performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inextensible material like paper is used for the covering tape to reduce environmental impact, then recyclability and biodegradability are improved, but the tape cannot compensate for transverse tensions through elasticity, causing ripping or tears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tensioning fins as intermediary elements that mediate between the inextensible tape and the winding process. These fins apply controlled tensioning forces to the tape edges, compensating for the lack of elasticity in inextensible materials like paper. The tensioning fins act as a mechanical intermediary that provides the necessary tension control without requiring the tape itself to be elastic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary tensioning forces through the tensioning fins before transverse tensions can cause ripping or tears. By continuously applying counteracting tension to the tape edges during the winding process, the system prevents the harmful effects of transverse tensions from manifesting, effectively neutralizing the weakness of inextensible materials against such forces.
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 solution ensures better adherence and stability of the wrapping by maintaining tape tension and preventing ripples, enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the palletized load wrapping process.
Implementation Method 1
first a spring adapted to act on the first tensioning fin to push the end border thereof against said longitudinal edge of the covering tape
Implementation Method 2
at least a first tensioning fin, which is adapted to rotate around an articulation axis parallel to the axis of the reel and is provided with a rectilinear end border, distal with respect to the articulation axis and extending parallel to the articulation axis, which is adapted to stay in contact with a longitudinal edge of the covering tape
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (100) for stabilising palletised loads (900) is described, comprising: a functional arrangement (105) provided with a reel (700) of a covering tape (800), a gripping device (565) adapted to take a first end of the covering tape (800) of the reel (700) and to make it integral with the palletised load (900), a first movement apparatus (500) adapted to generate a relative motion of revolution of the functional arrangement (105) around the palletised load (900), according to a predetermined revolution axis (Z), a second movement apparatus (550) adapted to generate a relative motion of translation of the functional arrangement (105) with respect to the palletised load (900) in a direction parallel to the revolution direction (Z), a cutting device (165) placed in the functional arrangement (105) to separate the coating tape (800) from the reel (700), and a fixing device (580) adapted to fix at least a second end of the covering tape (800) to the palletised load (900), wherein the functional arrangement (105) further comprises: at least a first tensioning fin (315), which is able to rotate around an articulation axis (H) parallel to the axis (A) of the reel and is provided with a rectilinear end border (320), distal with respect to the articulation axis (H) and extending parallel to the articulation axis (H), which is adapted to stay in contact with a longitudinal edge of the covering tape (800) unwinding from the reel (700), and first a spring (345) adapted to act on the first tensioning fin (315) to push the end border (320) thereof against said longitudinal edge of the covering tape (800).