Vacuum Coil Packaging via Hollow Mandrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging coiled materials, such as steel coils, are slow and cumbersome due to the need for manual insertion and drawing of packaging material through the open core, requiring significant manual labor and time.
Innovation Solution
The use of a vacuum source to draw the free end of a plastic packaging sleeve through the open core of the coil, combined with a trolley system for conveying and positioning the coil, significantly reduces the time and labor required for packaging by automating the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual insertion and drawing of packaging material through the open core is used, then the packaging process can be completed, but the process is slow and requires significant manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion and drawing operations with an automated vacuum system. A vacuum source creates negative pressure to automatically draw the packaging material through the open core of the coil, eliminating the need for workers to manually push and pull the material through the core, thereby increasing productivity and reducing manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum source to create a pressure differential that automatically draws the packaging material through the coil core. This pneumatic mechanism replaces manual mechanical operations, enabling faster and more efficient packaging while reducing the physical effort required from operators
2Reliability
If packaging material is drawn through the open core manually, then the coil can be protected, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual operations with an automated vacuum system that rapidly draws packaging material through the coil core. This maintains reliable protection against corrosion and physical damage while significantly reducing the time required to complete the packaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the packaging material and vacuum source in advance, allowing the automated drawing process to begin immediately when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays associated with manual material handling and ensures rapid application of protective packaging
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 method accelerates the packaging process, reduces manual labor, and ensures efficient protection of the coiled materials from corrosion and physical damage, while being adaptable to various coil sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source to draw the free end of a plastic packaging or wrapping sleeve back through the open core of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus and method for packaging coiled materials uses vacuum to draw the free end of a packaging sleeve through the open coil core, which may have a single line. A trolley lifts the coil to align its open core with a hollow mandrel, and passes the coil over the mandrel. The trolley is lowered to expose the coil circumference for packaging. Suction is applied through the mandrel to draw the free end of the sleeve through the coil core. Another apparatus includes two parallel input lines and a mandrel workstation translating therebetween and pivoting to transfer coils to an orthogonal output line. Another apparatus includes a stationary suction source having a flexible suction hose and suction canister extending therefrom. The canister is applied to the coil core to draw the free end of the sleeve therethrough.