Self-Propelled Wrapping Machine with Integrated Floor Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled wrapping machines are underutilized during idle periods and require additional equipment for tasks beyond wrapping, leading to increased costs and space occupancy.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled wrapping machine equipped with a cleaning device, including a suction device and brush means, and a control device for the steering wheel, allowing it to perform both wrapping and cleaning operations efficiently, reducing the need for separate equipment and optimizing usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a self-propelled wrapping machine is used only for its primary wrapping function, then wrapping operations are performed efficiently, but the machine remains idle during other periods resulting in underutilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine utilizationVSAvoididle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping machine is equipped with a cleaning device that includes a suction unit, brush means, and water spray system, enabling it to perform both wrapping and floor cleaning operations. This multi-functionality allows the machine to be utilized during idle periods for cleaning tasks, thereby reducing idle time and increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment is purchased for cleaning tasks, then cleaning operations can be performed, but costs and space occupancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidequipment quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is integrated into the wrapping machine structure, combining wrapping and cleaning functionalities into a single machine. The suction unit, brush means, and water spray system are mounted on the wrapping machine frame, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrapping machine is designed to perform multiple functions - both wrapping operations and floor cleaning. This universality allows a single machine to replace what would traditionally require two separate pieces of equipment, thereby reducing costs and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the steering wheel is fixed in position, then the machine can autonomously rotate around stacks for wrapping, but the machine cannot be easily driven in straight lines for cleaning tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous wrapping capabilityVSAvoidsteerability for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel is made adjustable in position, allowing the operator to modify its orientation according to the task at hand. During wrapping operations, the steering wheel can be positioned to enable autonomous rotation around stacks, while during cleaning operations, it can be adjusted to facilitate easy straight-line driving, thus providing both reliable autonomous wrapping capability and ease of operation for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 can be used for floor cleaning during idle periods, saving costs and space, and can be easily driven by an operator for cleaning tasks without interfering with its wrapping functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device; and at least one suction inlet connected to said suction device (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2974642B1Multi-purpose self-propelled wrapping machine with floor cleaning device
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 SAMEC SPA
  • EP2974642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled wrapping machine (10) comprising a frame (11) with a pair of non-steering wheels (12), a lifting system (13) with an upright (16) and a moving trolley (15) to which a spool-holder assembly (14) is attached and at least one steering wheel (18) connected to a support (19) connected to the frame (11) so that it can turn with respect to it about a substantially vertical axis (Z), characterized in that it comprises a cleaning device (100) for cleaning a floor, or a surface on the ground, connected to said frame (11) and/or to said upright (16). According to the invention the self-propelled wrapping machine is also provided with a control device for the steering wheel that allows the machine to be easily driven during the cleaning operations. Driving of the machine during the cleaning operations can be entrusted to an automatic driving system without an operator.