Adjustable Tape Dispenser for Cable Bundles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape dispensing tools for wrapping electrical wires and cables face quality control issues due to inconsistent tape overlap and are often user-unfriendly, expensive, and can damage electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A tape dispensing tool with a hub, fixed holder arm, and adjustable holder arm that allows for precise angular positioning of cradles to set consistent tape overlap, featuring rotatable wheels and a compact design for ease of use and adaptability to different cable diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual wrapping is used, then the tool is simple and user-friendly, but the tape overlap consistency is poor and requires significant learning curve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidtape overlap consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder arm is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the angular position to be dynamically changed to achieve desired overlap amounts. This enables the tool to adapt to different cable diameters and wrapping requirements while maintaining consistency, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool allows changing the angular position parameter of the holder arm to control the tape overlap amount. By adjusting this parameter, users can achieve consistent overlap without requiring complex mechanisms or extensive training, thus improving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic tape-wrapping tools are used, then tape overlap consistency is improved, but the tools become expensive and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetape overlap consistencyVSAvoidtool cost and weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool uses the natural tension of the tape itself to maintain consistent wrapping pressure and overlap, rather than requiring complex motorized tension control systems. This self-regulating mechanism achieves manufacturing precision while keeping the device simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as a basic hub, holder arm, and cradle structure that can be manufactured at low cost. These components achieve consistent tape overlap through geometric design rather than expensive automated control systems, reducing both device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If automatic tools are used, then wrapping efficiency is improved, but tension is applied to the cable bundle which may damage electrical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrapping efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tape tension is self-regulated by the adhesive properties and natural tension of the tape material itself, rather than being forced by a motorized system. This gentle, self-regulating tension applies sufficient pressure for consistent wrapping without excessive force that could damage electrical connections, maintaining both productivity and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool applies only the necessary amount of tension required for consistent tape overlap, rather than using excessive force. The adjustable holder arm allows for optimal tension control that is sufficient for wrapping efficiency but restrained enough to protect electrical connections from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Manufacturing precision

If known automatic tools are used, then wrapping consistency is improved, but the tools vibrate during operation causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrapping consistencyVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool replaces motorized mechanical systems that generate vibration with a simple manual rotation system. The user rotates the hub by hand, which eliminates the vibrations inherent in motorized drives while maintaining wrapping consistency through the geometric design of the adjustable holder arm and cradle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10181366B2Tape dispensing tool

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

A tape dispensing tool includes a hub, a fixed holder arm, and an adjustable holder arm. The hub extends through a core of a roll of tape. The fixed holder arm extends from the hub along a first side of the roll of tape and has a fixed orientation relative to the hub. The fixed holder arm includes a first cradle configured to receive a cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm extends from the hub along an opposite, second side of the roll of tape. The adjustable holder arm includes a second cradle configured to receive the cable bundle therein. The adjustable holder arm has an adjustable position relative to the hub and the fixed holder arm to select an angular position of the second cradle relative to the first cradle for setting an overlap amount as the tape is applied to the cable bundle.