Wrapping Machine Adjustable Unwinding Arm Film Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrapping machines fail to position plastic film precisely and repeatably around loads, limiting the use of printed films and causing frequent operational interruptions due to small film reel sizes.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping machine with adjustable supporting and gripping mechanisms that allow precise positioning of a preset length of flexible film around loads, enabling the use of printed materials and extending operational autonomy by allowing reel replacement without stopping the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating unwinding unit is used in conventional wrapping machines, then the film can be unwound and wrapped around the load, but the film cannot be positioned precisely and repeatably on the load
Solution Approach 1:
The unwinding system is segmented into a stationary reel holder and a separate movable unwinding unit. The unwinding unit can be positioned at different locations along the film path, allowing precise control of film deployment while keeping the reel stationary. This segmentation enables independent optimization of positioning precision and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is pre-stretched between the reel and the load before actual wrapping occurs. This preliminary stretching action, performed in a controlled stationary manner, ensures precise film tension and positioning before the film contacts the load, enabling repeatable placement of printed patterns and accurate film application.
2Duration of action of moving object
If small film reels are used in conventional wrapping machines, then the machine structure remains compact, but operational autonomy is reduced due to frequent reel replacements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple film reels are pre-loaded onto stationary holders positioned along the film path before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the unwinding unit to continuously access fresh film from different reels without requiring machine shutdown or reel replacement operations, thereby extending operative autonomy and maintaining production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous film supply by allowing the unwinding unit to move between multiple pre-loaded reels. As one reel depletes, the unit can seamlessly transition to the next reel without interrupting the wrapping process, ensuring continuous useful action and eliminating production stoppages for reel changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the unwinding unit rotates and translates during wrapping, then the film can be distributed around the load, but positioning control of the film becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The film path is segmented into distinct functional zones: a stationary reel holder zone, a controllable unwinding zone, and a wrapping zone. This segmentation allows the unwinding unit to operate from a fixed reference point (the stationary reel), making it easier to control film unwinding quantity and position while still enabling the film to reach different locations on the load through controlled movement of the unwinding unit itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary reel acts as an intermediary reference element between the film source and the load. By keeping the reel stationary and allowing the unwinding unit to move relative to it, the system creates a stable reference frame that simplifies positioning control. The film unwinds from this fixed intermediary point, enabling precise measurement and control of film length and placement position.
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
Enables precise and efficient wrapping of loads with printed films, maintaining operational continuity by allowing continuous reel replacement and accommodating various load sizes without complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an unwinding unit (16) provided with a couple of pre-stretching rollers (33, 34), that unwind the film from the reel and stretch or elongate it
Data Source
AI summary
A wrapping machine for wrapping material around a load includes a wrapping unit to wrap a portion of the material around the load and a supplying unit to supply the material portion to the wrapping unit. The wrapping unit includes wrapping device to unwind the material portion from the supplying unit and wrap it around the load. The wrapping unit includes a supporting ring, rotating around a wrapping axis and provided with a plurality of wrapping rollers, and an unwinding arm having a first end rotatably fixed to the support ring and a second end supporting at least one unwinding roller to abut and guide the portion of material towards the load during wrapping. The unwinding arm is movable to move the unwinding roller to/from the load during wrapping.