Confectionery Wrapping Machine Suction Gripper Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Confectionery wrapping machines face issues with incorrect positioning of wrapping material, leading to erratic folding and non-conformity to specified models due to the tubular wrap flapping during roller accelerations and decelerations, resulting in poorly formed twist bows.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping machine design featuring a second drum with movable pickup elements and a pneumatic system using jaws to securely hold and position the tubular wrap, preventing movement during folding operations, ensuring accurate base bunch folds and twist bows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the operating speed of the wrapping device is reduced to limit flapping of the tubular wrap during accelerations and decelerations, then the positioning accuracy of the wrap is improved, but the productivity of the machine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the second folder roller with product retaining grippers that securely hold the product and wrap assembly before folding operations begin. This preliminary securing prevents the wrap from flapping during subsequent accelerations and decelerations, maintaining positioning accuracy even at higher operating speeds without requiring speed reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using movable pickup elements that can dynamically adjust their position and gripping force during the wrapping process. These elements move with the product through different phases of the wrapping cycle, maintaining secure holding during high-speed operation while allowing necessary movements for folding and twisting operations
2Device complexity
If the tubular wrap is held by only a minimum part of its length, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning stability of the wrap deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wrap holding function into multiple discrete retaining elements distributed along the wrap length. Instead of a single complex holding mechanism, multiple simpler grippers or clamps are positioned at critical locations (such as at the product-wrAP interface and at the twist bow location), each handling a specific portion of the wrap to collectively ensure stable positioning without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of product retaining grippers that mediate between the folder roller and the wrap. These grippers act as intermediaries that securely transmit forces from the roller to the wrap while allowing controlled movements, thereby stabilizing the wrap position during high-speed operation without requiring direct complex coupling between the roller and the entire wrap length
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 achieves reliable and faster wrapping with precise positioning of the wrap, maintaining correct alignment even during roller movements, resulting in consistent and conformant product wrapping.
Implementation Method 1
said pickup element is a suction cup and said pneumatic system is arranged to suck air in through said pickup element so that the sheet is held against said pickup element by suction
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A machine (1) for wrapping a food product (2) comprises a wrapping device (4) for wrapping the product (2); the wrapping device (4) comprises a folding system (18, 20, 21, 22) by which a piece (16) of wrapping material is folded onto the product (2) and a wrapping drum (6) equipped with a plurality of pickup grippers (19) by which the products (2) are held and fed along a second feed direction (V2); the wrapping drum (6) comprises a plurality of retaining elements (24) for holding by suction the piece (16) of wrapping material wrapped around the product (2); the retaining elements (24) are aligned with the product (2) pickup grippers (19) along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (R2) of the wrapping drum (6).