MECAN AIRBAG patented
The purpose of this machine is to provide roller shutter manufacturers with a packing solution that is both reliable and efficient. Packing is nowadays rather costly, and does not prevent a high frequency of claims due to damage in transit, up to the installation point. The problems occur mostly in “messageries” freight companies, which are cheap, and efficient, but where product handling is much too rough for roller shutters, which often need to be re-manufactured even as a result of superficial damage. Roller shutter manufacturers usually react as follows : 1/ Either they transport products in their own vehicles, which although it allows for a cheaper standard of packing, is rarely cost efficient. And due to the dispersion of delivery points, products can still be damaged between the transport destination, and the installation point. 2/ Or they can switch to a “bullet proof” packing system, but costs can be extremely high, not to mention the space required, in a cramped manufacturing site, for packing materials (cardboard, end protectors polystyrene etc) and the attendant environmental problems. Those manufacturers who decide for status quo, often damage the relationship with their customers, due to frequent and costly claims. The patented MECAN AIRBAG® concept provides for a proper product protection, as well as a good productivity, with a reasonable cost base for materials. The packing process involves three stages: This method of protection is highly effective, because the external skin of the packaging is much further away from the product itself than in other existing packing solutions. The use of airbags will diffuse the energy of any external shock over a wide area, thereby minimising any damage to the product itself. The cardboard has the same role as a car bumper, when the product has a longitudinal shock. The product can slide on the airbags with a high degree of friction, therefore absorbing progressively the energy of any end shock. The protruding tail of the box flange is really well protected. Cardboard sides and angles, (or side rails if they can be packed in the same unit), allow the dispersion of energy from any lateral impact, thereby protecting the most vulnerable area of the box. Only one operator is normally required to run the line, but some help might be required occasionally to handle larger products. Productivity is fair, as only about 4 minutes is required for packing an average size roller shutter. Higher productivity is possible, with automation at various levels.(option) Cost of materials is also reasonable, as it is less than a classical medium quality packing (such as double wall cardboard, with a layer of bubble film around the product, with polystyrene end protectors). These materials also have a minimal environmental impact, due to their low volume, and they are also easily recyclable.
B. OPTION MECAN AIRBAG® : UPSTREAM SEMI AUTOMATIC VERSION
C. OPTION MECAN AIRBAG® : DOWNSTREAM SEMI AUTOMATIC VERSION
