Wrapping Unit Gripper Air Extraction and Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging devices lack versatility, requiring multiple stations for complete packaging and are specific to a single type of product, making them inefficient and less appealing to clients.
Innovation Solution
A wrapping unit with grippers that can clamp and twist tubular blanks with air extraction and heating capabilities, allowing for 'singletwist' and 'double-twist' wrappings, and a wrapping machine with modular stations for easy format changes and versatile packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple closure stations are used to achieve complete packaging, then packaging completeness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping unit is designed to perform multiple packaging functions (singletwist, double-twist, and complete packaging with closure) within a single station. The gripper can clamp tubular blanks and the unit can accommodate different wrapping configurations, eliminating the need for separate closure stations and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining packaging completeness
2Manufacturing precision
If packaging devices are specific to a single product type, then packaging precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping unit incorporates adjustable components including the gripper positioning and the tubular blank configuration that can be modified to accommodate different product types. The unit can dynamically adapt its clamping force and positioning to maintain packaging precision across various product sizes and shapes, thereby achieving both precision and versatility
3Reliability
If air extraction is performed simultaneously with clamping, then packaging quality is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air extraction function is integrated into the gripper assembly, combining the clamping and air extraction operations into a single simultaneous action. This eliminates the need for separate air extraction steps and reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining packaging quality through the coordinated action of clamping and air removal
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 efficient, versatile packaging of various products with easy format changes and reduced costs, ensuring effective isolation and preservation of products while minimizing oxidation and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the jaws 3 comprises at least one air extraction unit 4 to extract air from the inside of the tubular blank A simultaneously with its clamping
Implementation Method 2
The clamping of a portion of the blank A on the part of the gripper 2 provided with at least one jaw 3 that has a heated portion causes the heat-sealing of the portions (of the flaps) of the tubular blank A that are mutually pressed against each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wrapping unit (1), comprising at least one gripper (2) provided with mutually opposite jaws (3) for clamping at least one end of a tubular blank (A) that contains a product (B) to be packaged; at least one of the jaws (3) comprises at least one air extraction unit (4) for extracting the air from the inside of the tubular blank (A) simultaneously with its clamping.