Wrapping Machine Rotary Platform Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrapping machines with rotary platforms experience uneven load distribution on supporting rollers due to floor imperfections, leading to high wear and short roller lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A wrapping machine design featuring a circular base with a top and bottom plate, an intermediate annular disc with radially mounted rollers, and a transmission system that allows the rollers to contact both plates, ensuring even load distribution and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If supporting rollers are arranged in contact with either the base or the rotary platform, then the structure is simple, but the loads are distributed unevenly due to floor imperfections, causing high wear and short roller lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidroller operation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A circular base plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the supporting rollers and the floor. This base plate serves as a mediator that distributes the loads from the rollers evenly across its structure, preventing the uneven load distribution that would otherwise occur due to floor imperfections. The base plate absorbs and redistributes the mechanical stresses, ensuring reliable roller operation without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If supporting rollers are arranged in contact with either the base or the rotary platform, then the structure is simple, but the roller lifetime is reduced due to high wear from uneven load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidroller lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circular base plate acts as a protective intermediary that shields the supporting rollers from the harmful effects of floor imperfections. By distributing the loads evenly across the base plate, the system reduces the wear on individual rollers, thereby extending their operational lifetime without requiring a more complex support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If supporting rollers are arranged in contact with either the base or the rotary platform, then installation is simple, but uneven load distribution jeopardizes correct operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidoperation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circular base plate is a simple-to-install component that serves as an intermediary between the floor and the supporting rollers. Its circular geometry and direct contact with the floor make it easy to install, while simultaneously it ensures correct roller operation by distributing loads evenly, preventing the operational issues caused by floor imperfections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution ensures correct operation and extends the lifespan of supporting rollers by distributing loads evenly across the rollers, reducing wear and improving machine longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary platform (7), which is circular-shaped, it is overlapped to the first plate (5) and mounted on the base (4) so as to rotate, with respect to the latter, about a rotation axis (8) substantially parallel to a vertical direction (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The intermediate disc or disc (13) is provided with a plurality of supporting rollers or rollers (14), which are mounted on the disc (13), interposed between the base (4) and the platform (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad distribution:

Implementation Method 3

the supporting rollers 14 are staggered, in particular radially, with respect to the rollers of an adjacent circumference. The rollers 14 show a diameter substantially equal to a distance between the first plate 5 of the base 4 and the platform 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3630627B1Wrapping machine with rotary platform
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 ROBOPAC SPA
  • EP3630627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3630627B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3630627B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A wrapping machine with rotary platform for wrapping products (2) with one band (3) comprises a base (4); a rotary platform (7) defining a supporting plane (P) and mounted on the base (4) so as to rotate about a rotation axis (8) perpendicular to the supporting plane (P); a plurality of supporting rollers (14) interposed between the base (4) and the platform (7) and distributed around the rotation axis (8); a guiding upright (12) parallel to the rotation axis (8); a supporting slide (10), movable along the guiding upright (12) for receiving and retaining a reel (11) of band (3); an intermediate disc (13), mounted between the base (4) and the platform (7) and rotatably coupled to them so as to rotate about the rotation axis (8), the supporting rollers (14) being mounted on the intermediate disc (13) and in contact with the base (4) and the platform (7); a transmission system (16; 25) for rotating the platform (7) and the intermediate disc (13) about the rotation axis (8) and comprising a driving device (17) for rotating the intermediate disc (13) or the platform (7) about the rotation axis (8) and coupling means (19) for kinetically coupling the intermediate disc (13) and the platform (7) to each other.