Spring-Loaded Fastening Clip for Strapping Machine Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping machines with strap guide frames face complexity and expense in fastening frame elements, particularly when requiring flexible production of different frame sizes, as traditional screw connections and resilient clips can be cumbersome and require multiple separately manufactured parts.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clip with a back section and two parallel legs that latch into grooves on the strap guide frame and support frame, allowing for flexible positioning and relative movement, enabling the use of standard elements that can be easily adapted to various frame sizes by adjusting the length of frame legs without altering the curve radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to fasten frame elements, then the connection is durable and reliable, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple separately manufactured parts including washers and nuts
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated component. The clip includes a back section with a first leg having a retaining projection and a second leg with a resilient retaining projection, eliminating the need for separate washers, nuts, and alignment features that would otherwise be required in traditional screw connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fastening connection, incorporates alignment features through grooves, includes resilient locking capability, and integrates mounting hole positioning. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized components in conventional fastening systems.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods with multiple parts are used, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip is manufactured as a single integrated component combining the back section, both legs, retaining projections, and alignment grooves. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple parts such as washers, nuts, and alignment features, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure fastening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frame elements are designed for flexible production of different frame sizes, then the adaptability increases, but the fastening system complexity increases when using traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip is designed as a universal component that can be used across different frame sizes and configurations. The standardized clip design with integrated alignment grooves and resilient retaining projections works consistently whether fastening corner elements, straight elements, or curved sections, eliminating the need for size-specific fastening variations.
4Ease of operation
If resilient clips are used for fastening, then the assembly is simplified, but the positioning precision and alignment accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip merges the resilient fastening function with precise alignment features. The alignment grooves in the back section and on the legs provide geometric constraints that ensure accurate positioning, while the resilient retaining projection provides the flexible locking action. This combination achieves both precise alignment and easy assembly.
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 fastening process, allows for flexible production of different frame sizes, and ensures secure connection of frame elements while accommodating thermal expansion, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The second leg (24) of the fastening clip (19) has a spring-loaded retaining projection (28) which engages an edge of a groove (29) in a second, opposite side surface (30) of the element (13) in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a strapping machine (1) with a strap guide frame (9) which has a strap channel for a flat strapping band (2), wherein the strap guide frame (9) has several adjoining elements, each comprising a section of the strap channel and attached to a support frame (11). The object of the invention is to simplify the fastening means for the frame elements and, in particular, to enable flexible production of different frame sizes. For this purpose, at least some of the elements are attached to the support frame (11) by means of spring-loaded fastening clips (19).