Automated Wrapping of Silverware in a Napkin

Abstract

This Study investigates the wrapping of silverware in commercial dishwashing applications. The purpose of this research is to design and implement an automated silverware wrapping device that is capable of automatically picking cloth napkins from a napkin bin and wrapping the napkin in an appealing manner with a set of silverware comprised of a knife, fork and spoon. The major challenges encountered were in identifying the right techniques used to handle napkins and wrap napkins to get an appealing wrap. The method was primarily experimental. New and innovative techniques were used to singulate napkins from a stack and napkins, place silverware in the napkin and roll the napkin in an appealing manner. An effective control unit, used to control the entire device was implemented. The sliding friction between the napkins in a napkin stack was found to affect the performance of the entire device. Experimental results established a processing efficiency of 68% and a processing efficiency of 100% when napkins were fed manually.