Wrapping Device Cutting Mechanism for Easy Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging devices for small articles like chocolates and candies are difficult to open, especially for children, and often result in incomplete sealing and reduced productivity due to complex opening mechanisms and undesirable product presentation.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping device with rotating pliers and matching means that interpose and fold longitudinal flaps of wrapping foil, incorporating a cutting mechanism to facilitate easy opening and airtight sealing, using either cold or hot welding depending on the material type, and rotating pincers for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wrapping edges are shaped in a zigzag manner or opening scores are made on the longitudinal edge, then the opening of the wrapping is facilitated, but the opening is still not sufficiently easy and the zigzag shape characterizes the product in an undesirable manner
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting means divides the longitudinal flap into segments by making a transverse cut, creating a score that facilitates opening without requiring the entire edge to be zigzagged. This segmented approach allows easy opening while maintaining a clean, acceptable product appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying zigzag shaping to the entire wrapping edge, the cutting means applies the opening facilitation locally at specific points on the longitudinal flap. This localized cut provides sufficient opening ease while preserving the overall aesthetic quality of the product presentation.
2Ease of operation
If the final closure is made by twisting portions of the wrapping material for cold gluing, then the wrapping can be opened more easily, but the productivity of the devices is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting means makes the transverse cut on the longitudinal flap during the wrapping process itself, before the product is released to the consumer. This preliminary action of creating the score during manufacturing eliminates the need for complex opening mechanisms while maintaining high productivity, as the cut is made automatically as part of the normal wrapping operation.
3Reliability
If hot or cold welding is used to seal the edges of the wrapping material, then airtight sealing is achieved, but the wrapping becomes very difficult to open, especially for children
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting means creates a segmented score on the sealed longitudinal flap, dividing it into sections that can be more easily separated. This segmentation allows consumers, including children, to open the airtight wrapping without excessive force while the rest of the sealing remains intact and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting means changes the physical parameter of the longitudinal flap by creating a score or cut, which reduces the force required to open the wrapping. This parameter change allows the wrapping to be opened easily at the scored location while maintaining airtight sealing elsewhere, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and ease of opening.
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 simple and reliable opening of wrappers, ensures airtight sealing, and enhances productivity by allowing easy access to the contents without manual handling, while maintaining product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least two matching means, reciprocally moving between a maximum mutual distance D, to interpose between them the longitudinal flaps 7, 8 of said wrapping foil protruding from the article 3, to a mutual matching condition C to fold up and to join together said longitudinal flaps 7, 8
Implementation Method 2
a cutting mean 9 sticking out, at least in the mutual matching condition C, from the first matching mean 5 in the direction of the second matching mean 6 to execute, in one or preferably in both the longitudinal flaps 7, 8, a cut to facilitate the user in opening the wrapping
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for wrapping an article comprising a holding mean (2) for the article (3) partially rolled-up by a wrapping foil material (4) and comprising at least two matching means, first (5) and second (6), mutually moving between a maximum mutual distanced condition (D), to interpose between them of the longitudinal flaps (7, 8) of said material (4) protruding from the article (3), and a mutual matching condition (C) to fold up and to join said longitudinal flaps (7, 8). The device comprises at least a cutting mean (9) protruding from the first matching mean (5) in the direction of the second matching mean (6) at least in the mutual matching condition (C) to carry out a cut in one or both the longitudinal flaps (7, 8) to facilitate the opening of the wrapping by an user.