Electric Hand-Held Strapping Tool Sequential Motor Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping tools, particularly hand-held devices, are cumbersome and require multiple tools for tensioning, sealing, and cutting metal straps, and pneumatic tools are limited by the need for compressed gas and complex circuits, making them less portable and more costly.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, electrically powered strapping tool with a tensioning assembly and a notching assembly, featuring a control system that allows sequential actuation of motors for tensioning and sealing, enabling single-tool operation with adjustable settings and wireless management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tools are used for strapping operations, then the sealing function can be performed effectively, but the tool requires compressed gas sources and complex pneumatic circuits, reducing portability and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor directly drives the tensioning wheel and sealing mechanisms, eliminating the need for compressed gas sources, pneumatic motors, hoses, and complex pneumatic circuitry while maintaining the tensioning and sealing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic subsystem from the tool, eliminating the air motor, pneumatic circuits, and associated components. This leaves only the essential electric motor, control system, and mechanical transmission components needed for tensioning and sealing operations
2Reliability
If multiple tools are used for tensioning, sealing, and cutting metal straps, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but the overall process becomes more complex and requires multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (tensioning, sealing, and cutting) into a single integrated hand-held tool. The electric motor drives all three operations through a coordinated control system, allowing the operator to complete the entire strapping process with one tool rather than multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal strapping tool that can perform multiple functions: tensioning the strap around the load, forming the seal between overlapping strap courses, and cutting the sealed strap. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate manual or powered tools for each operation
3Device complexity
If manual tools are used for strapping operations, then the tool structure can be simple, but the operator experiences fatigue and the tool is difficult to maneuver for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor provides powered tensioning and sealing actions, reducing the physical effort required by the operator while maintaining a relatively simple hand-held tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor performs the heavy work of tensioning and sealing automatically, allowing the tool to service itself during operation. The operator only needs to position the tool and activate the motor, which then performs the force-intensive operations without requiring continuous manual effort
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
The tool efficiently tensions, seals, and cuts metal straps with reduced operator fatigue and increased portability, allowing for versatile operation across various locations without the need for compressed gas, enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor to rotate a tensioning wheel
Implementation Method 2
The notcher assembly has a linkage and at least one pair of jaw elements. The linkage is configured to pivot the ends of the jaw elements toward one another in a sealing cycle
Implementation Method 3
a tensioning wheel operably connected to the tensioner motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A strapping tool (10) for tensioning overlapping sections of steel strap around a load and forming a notch-type seal in a seal element positioned over the overlapping sections of steel strap includes a body (12) having a foot (14), a tensioning section (16) and a sealing section (18). The tensioning section has a tensioner motor assembly (22) operably mounted to the body. The tensioner motor assembly has an electrically powered tensioner motor (34). A tensioning wheel (40) is operably connected to the tensioner motor. The sealing section has a notcher assembly (28) that includes an electrically powered notcher motor (32) operably mounted to the body. The notcher assembly includes a linkage and at least one pair of jaw elements (54). The linkage is configured to pivot ends of the jaw elements toward one another in a sealing cycle to form the notch-type seal in the seal element. A control system controls operation of the tensioner motor and the notcher motor. The control system is configured to operate the strapping tool in an automatic mode in which the tensioner motor and the notcher motor are sequentially actuated by action of the control system by an operator.