Edge Protector Applicator Motor-Driven Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection systems for packages require complex and separate control mechanisms for clamp mountings, leading to unnecessary mechanical components and increased design complexity, especially during the strapping process, which can cause damage to packages.
Innovation Solution
A simplified edge protection arrangement using a motor-driven power transmission mechanism that couples the clamping jaw's opening and closing movement with the movement of the arranging means, eliminating the need for a separate drive and control logic, and incorporating a lifting device to decouple the drive wheels from the running rails, allowing for secure clamping without additional travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate control mechanism is used for the clamp mounting, then the clamping jaw can be reliably controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor that drives the arranging means with the power transmission mechanism for the clamping jaw. The single motor serves dual purposes: propelling the arranging means along the running rail and actuating the clamping jaw through integrated power transmission means (gear wheel, lever, swivel axis). This merging eliminates separate control systems while maintaining reliable clamping control through mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If the clamping jaw has its own drive mechanism, then the opening and closing movement can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism for the clamping jaw is merged with the propulsion system of the arranging means. The motor's rotational movement is transmitted through a gear wheel on the drive axis, which engages with a second gear wheel on the swivel axis of the lever. This integrated power transmission provides precise clamping jaw movement control without requiring a separate drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces power transmission means (gear wheels and lever) as intermediaries between the motor and the clamping jaw. These intermediary components translate the motor's rotational movement into the required opening and closing movements of the clamping jaw, providing precise control while avoiding the need for a complex direct drive mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the arranging means travels a longer path, then the clamping jaw can be fully actuated, but the travel path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propulsion function with the clamping actuation function. The motor simultaneously performs both tasks, and the power transmission means ensure that even during brief moments when the arranging means is stationary or moving slowly, the clamping jaw receives sufficient actuation force through the gear mechanism and lever system.
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
This solution simplifies the design by eliminating separate control logic and mechanical components, reducing the travel path for the arranging means, enabling secure edge protection without additional mechanical complexity, and allowing for wider package processing or a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a motor carried by the means itself and which sets at least one drive wheel in motion
Implementation Method 2
the power transmission means is a first gear wheel which is preferably positioned on an axis of the drive wheel, particularly when the swivel axis is provided with a second gear wheel that engages in the first gear wheel
Implementation Method 3
the clamping jaw is part of a lever that is pivotable about a swivel axis, and that the motor induces the swivel movement
Data Source
AI summary
A device arranges an edge protector on a package. The device includes a drive wheel for moving the device along a guiding rail from a point of departure to the package and from the package to the point of departure. A motor is carried by the device and drives the drive wheel. A clamp mount includes a movable clamping jaw and a counter bearing for taking up the edge protector in an open position of the clamping jaw and to hold it in a closed position of the clamping jaw. The motor drives the drive wheel and acts on a power transmission assembly to induce opening and closing of the clamping jaw. A device for strapping packages having the edge protector applicator includes a frame carrying a press plate above a vertically movable packing table. The press plate has running rails on which the edge protector applicator is movably mounted. The applicator device is mounted below the press plate.