Wrapping Machine Locking Device Segmentation for Load Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for wheeled loads are inflexible and require skilled operators to adjust, limiting their use with loads of varying sizes and those without wheels, as they restrict accessibility and hinder movement around the wrapping machine.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a first element fixed to the supporting plane and a second element with a seat and recess that allows adjustable positioning of wheeled loads, enabling secure locking of loads of any size and type, including those without wheels, by engaging the wheels in a transverse and inclined manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectilinear guide of sufficient length is provided to receive both wheels of one side of the carriage, then the locking reliability is improved, but the accessibility to the wrapping machine is restricted and movements of loads around the wrapping machine are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two separate elements: a first element (rectilinear guide) that provides longitudinal locking, and a second element (perforated plate) that provides transverse locking. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function and enables flexible positioning without requiring a single long complex structure, thereby maintaining locking reliability while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second element (perforated plate) acts as an intermediary component that receives the front wheel and prevents it from exiting during wrapping. This intermediary mechanism provides additional locking security without requiring the rectilinear guide to extend further, thus maintaining accessibility while improving locking reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the rectilinear guide is modified to accommodate different load sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the operation time increases due to detachment and repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates adjustable elements, specifically the second element (perforated plate) that can be positioned at different locations along the first element. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to adapt to different load sizes without requiring complete detachment and repositioning of the entire guide structure, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a perforated plate with small height is used to allow manual wheel removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability is reduced as the wheel may come out unexpectedly during wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between two elements: the first element (rectilinear guide) provides longitudinal constraint, while the second element (perforated plate) provides transverse constraint through its recess. This segmentation allows the plate to maintain low height for easy wheel removal while the combined action of both elements ensures reliable locking during wrapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the perforated plate acts as an intermediary locking mechanism that prevents the wheel from exiting during wrapping. This recessed design provides secure locking without requiring the plate to be tall, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving locking reliability through the intermediary recess structure.
4Device complexity
If existing locking devices are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility is limited as they cannot accommodate loads without wheels or loads of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with universal functionality through two elements that can accommodate various load types and sizes. The first element (rectilinear guide) and second element (perforated plate) work together to lock wheeled loads of different dimensions and can also accommodate loads without wheels by adjusting the position of the second element, thereby achieving versatility without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device associable to a wrapping machine for locking in a defined locked position a wheeled load to be wrapped with a plastics film, the locking device including a first element elongated along a first direction and arranged to rest on, and be fixed to, a supporting plane of the wrapping machine, and a second element connected to the first element. The second element is provided with a seat open on the supporting plane and includes an inlet opening for allowing a first wheel of the wheeled load be inserted into, or disengaged from, the seat along an insertion direction, and a recess arranged to be engaged by the first wheel in the locked position so as to prevent the first wheel from moving along the first direction and along a second direction, which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and from disengaging from the seat.