Product Wrapping Machine Intermittent Conveyor Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art product wrapping machines face challenges with low production speeds due to complex and costly mechanisms required for continuous motion, and synchronization issues between conveyors.
Innovation Solution
A product wrapping machine design featuring a first conveyor rotating continuously and a second conveyor rotating intermittently, with a motion-inducing device using cam mechanisms to synchronize the carriers and gripper heads, allowing for high-speed wrapping without excessive structural complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous motion mechanisms are used to maintain high production speed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by making the second conveyor rotate intermittently rather than continuously. The conveyor performs wrapping operations during rotation and stops at transfer stations to allow folding heads to operate, eliminating the need for complex continuous motion mechanisms while maintaining high productivity through efficient periodic cycles
2Productivity
If folding heads operate during continuous conveyor motion, then productivity is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second conveyor is designed to rotate intermittently with periodic stops that synchronize with the folding heads' operations. This periodic motion pattern eliminates complex continuous synchronization mechanisms while maintaining high production speed through efficient use of both motion and stationary phases
Solution Approach 2:
The folding heads are positioned and configured to perform folding operations during the predetermined stop periods of the second conveyor. By planning and executing folding actions during these pre-determined stationary phases, the system avoids complex real-time synchronization while maintaining high overall productivity
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
The machine achieves high production speeds with simplified and cost-effective construction, ensuring efficient wrapping operations by synchronizing the conveyors through a compact motion-inducing device, reducing costs and maintaining high productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a motion-inducing device using cam mechanisms to synchronize the carriers and gripper heads
Data Source
AI summary
A product wrapping machine includes a feed mechanism by which products to be wrapped are directed on entry, in ordered succession, to a take-up station, a wrapping device including a first conveyor, rotatable continuously about a respective axis, a second conveyor rotatable intermittently about a respective axis, and a transfer device by which the products are gripped in succession at the take-up station and fed to the wrapping device. The first conveyor includes a plurality of carriers, mounted rotatably on it and equipped with gripper heads. Each carrier is associated with a respective motion-inducing device designed to move the carrier in such a way as to enable the carrier to interface and interact with a respective gripper element of the second conveyor.