Tape Dispenser With Blower For Foil End Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting the ends of tubular foil using adhesive tape are complex and inefficient, often requiring manual handling and multiple components, such as grippers and complex structures, which limit their ability to handle multiple foils and one-sided adhesive tapes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a tape dispenser with a blower to direct tape onto a tape receiving surface, where vacuum holders secure the tape, allowing for remote placement and cutting, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for relative movement between the tape dispenser and applicator, and enabling the use of one-sided adhesive tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gripper and complex structure are used to pull and apply tape, then the tape can be applied to the foil ends, but the device complexity increases and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gripper system with a pneumatic system. A blower directs airflow to propel the tape along the receiving surface, eliminating the need for mechanical gripping and pulling mechanisms. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing a blower to generate airflow that propels the tape from the dispenser to the receiving surface. The vacuum holders also use pneumatic principles to secure the tape at the remote location. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall system compared to mechanical gripper-based solutions.
2Productivity
If tape is dispensed from a tape dispenser moving along the tape receiving surface, then the tape can be applied, but the dispensing speed must match the velocity limiting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces airflow as an intermediary medium between the tape dispenser and the receiving surface. The blower generates air currents that propel the tape, decoupling the dispensing speed from the transport speed. This allows the dispenser to remain stationary or move slowly while the tape is rapidly transported across the surface by the air flow.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex pick-and-place unit is used to place tape on the mounting head, then the tape can be positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vacuum holders that automatically secure the tape at the remote location on the receiving surface. The pneumatic system self-regulates to position and hold the tape without requiring complex pick-and-place mechanisms. The airflow naturally guides the tape to the correct position, and the vacuum holders automatically engage to secure it.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components like grippers and complex structures are used, then tape application is achieved, but the ability to handle multiple foils is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system with blower and vacuum holders serves multiple functions: it propels the tape, positions it accurately, and secures it on the receiving surface. This multi-functional pneumatic system can handle multiple foils sequentially without requiring additional specialized components for each operation, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplicity.
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 solution simplifies the connection process by automating tape placement and cutting, reducing mechanical complexity, and allowing for efficient handling of multiple foils with one-sided adhesive tapes, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the tape dispenser comprises a blower configured to direct a gas flow to the tape receiving surface so as to blow the tape onto the tape receiving surface
Implementation Method 2
a piece of tape is supplied onto a remote part of the tape receiving surface and held on the tape receiving surface by a vacuum holder
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Method and device for connecting two ends (304, 309) of foil (8-12, 106, 308) by means of tape (250). Foil (8-12, 106, 308) is supplied and processed, e.g. buffered. One or more tape applicators (103, 104) are configured for applying tape (250) to and connecting the ends of foil (304, 309). The tape applicator (103, 104) comprises a tape receiving surface (153, 154) having one or more tape holders arranged to, when switched on, fix the position of the tape (250) on the tape receiving surface (153, 154). A tape dispenser (93) is arranged to supply tape (250) onto the tape receiving surface (153, 154). The tape (250) is dispensed to a remote part of the tape receiving surface (153, 154) and a blower blows the tape (250) onto the tape receiving surface (153, 154) while being dispensed.