Self-Propelled Wrapping Machine With Lifted Drive Wheel Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled wrapping machines face challenges in easy maneuverability due to drive wheel resistance during manual movement, necessitating complex and expensive mechanical uncoupling systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled wrapping machine with a lifting device that includes a rotatable or slidable auxiliary wheel, allowing the drive wheel to be easily lifted from the supporting surface for manual movement, eliminating the need for mechanical uncoupling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical uncoupling systems are added to the drive wheel, then ease of manual movement is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive wheel from the supporting surface by introducing a lifting device that raises the drive wheel off the ground during manual movement. This separates the driving function from the moving function, allowing the cart to be easily maneuvered without the drive wheel resisting movement through mechanical uncoupling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the drive wheel. By using this intermediate device to raise and lower the drive wheel, the operator can easily move the cart without directly dealing with complex mechanical uncoupling systems, thus improving ease of operation while avoiding increased device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical uncoupling systems are added to the drive wheel, then ease of manual movement is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive wheel from the supporting surface by introducing a lifting device that raises the drive wheel off the ground during manual movement. This separates the driving function from the moving function, allowing the cart to be easily maneuvered without the drive wheel resisting movement through mechanical uncoupling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to be manually operated by the operator themselves, making the system self-servicing without requiring additional complex mechanical uncoupling mechanisms. The operator directly controls the lifting of the drive wheel, eliminating the need for expensive automated uncoupling systems and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drive wheel remains in contact with the supporting surface, then stability during operation is improved, but ease of manual movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the drive wheel's contact status with the supporting surface changes based on the operational mode. During manual movement, the lifting device raises the drive wheel to improve ease of movement. During wrapping operations, the drive wheel is lowered to maintain stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device operates periodically, raising the drive wheel during manual repositioning phases and lowering it during wrapping operation phases. This periodic switching between contact and non-contact states allows the system to optimize for ease of movement when needed and for stability when needed, resolving the contradiction through time-based separation of functions.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A self-propelled wrapping machine (1) movable on a supporting surface (P) to wrap a load with a plastic film, comprises a self-propelled carriage (2) provided with at least one drive wheel (5) suitable for moving the self-propelled wrapping machine (1); a steering wheel (6) controlled by steering means (8) that can be manually operated by a manoeuvring bar (9) or by a feeler element (19) suitable to follow external walls of the load to be wrapped; an upright (3) fixed to the carriage (2) and slidably supporting an unwinding unit (4) provided with at least a reel (51) of film; a lifting device (10) which includes a supporting element (11) provided with an idle auxiliary wheel (12), associated with the carriage (2) and selectively movable between a raised position (A), in which the auxiliary wheel (12) is spaced from the supporting plane (P), and a lowered position (B), in which the auxiliary wheel (12) abuts the supporting plane (P) and lifts and detaches the drive wheel (5) from the supporting plane (P); the supporting element (11) is rotatably associated with the carriage (2) so as to rotate between the raised position (A) and the lowered position (B); the lifting device (10) comprises a lever (13) rotatably supported by the carriage (2), connected to the supporting element (11) by means of a connecting element (14) and movable between a non-operating position (C) and an operating position (D), in which the lever (13) arranges the supporting element (12) respectively in the raised position (A) and in the lowered position (B).