Package Wrapping Machine Exception Handling for Parameter Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging machines face challenges in transferring wrap parameter settings between machines, which is prone to errors due to manual entry and is affected by environmental conditions like heat and weather, leading to inconsistencies in wrapping quality.

Innovation Solution

A packaging machine with a sensor arrangement and controller that identifies tray dimensions and allows for exception settings based on item identifiers, along with an automated calibration sequence and data transfer via removable thumb drives or remote communication, enabling efficient and error-free transfer of wrap parameters between machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data entry is used to transfer wrap parameters between machines, then the transfer process can be performed without specialized equipment, but errors are introduced during manual entry and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of wrap parameter transferVSAvoidtime required to transfer wrap parameters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thermal labels to create copies of wrap parameters that can be transferred between machines. The parameters are printed on durable thermal labels that can be physically transported and then scanned or read by the destination machine, eliminating manual entry while enabling rapid transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal labels as an intermediary carrier for wrap parameters. Instead of direct machine-to-machine electronic transfer or manual entry, the parameters are first converted to a physical label format that serves as a reliable intermediary, protecting the data from environmental damage while enabling accurate transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If thermal labels are used to transfer wrap parameters, then the transfer process is faster and more accurate, but the labels are vulnerable to damage from heat, weather, or aging conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of wrap parameter transferVSAvoidsusceptibility of labels to environmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies protective measures to the thermal labels beforehand to cushion them against environmental damage. This may include using protective coatings, selecting label materials resistant to heat and weather, or storing labels in protective environments during transfer to prevent degradation before they are used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screen captures of parameters are sent to thermal labels for transfer, then the parameters can be transferred between machines, but the process requires multiple steps and is subject to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transfer parameters between machinesVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter transfer process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parameter screens into a single comprehensive thermal label. Instead of creating separate labels for each parameter screen, the system consolidates all wrap parameters onto one label, reducing the number of transfer steps and minimizing opportunities for errors while maintaining full parameter set transferability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8393133B2Package wrapping machine with item identifier based exception to default wrap settings

Publication Date: 2013.03.12 PREMARK FEG LLC

AI summary

A machine for wrapping items to produce packages includes default settings which provide appropriate parameters for wrapping packages based on a ubiquitous feature of the item such as tray size. In addition, one or more exceptions to the default settings are included such that items of a given value for the ubiquitous feature which require special or unusual handling parameters will be detected and handled according to these different parameters. These parameters including exceptions are readily transferable between multiple wrapping machines. An autocalibration feature allows for specific differences in the tolerances and settings of different wrapping machines.