Force-Sensing Strapping Head for Adaptive Strap Tension Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strapping devices often unintentionally tension straps to levels outside the designated range, leading to over-tensioned or under-tensioned loops that can fail or inadequately secure loads, with current detection methods only identifying issues after damage occurs or requiring trial-and-error adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A strapping device equipped with a force sensor and controller that measures tension and automatically adjusts parameters to ensure the strap tension is within a designated range, using a force-measurement system to detect and correct tension deviations during the strapping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the strapping device uses a fixed tension parameter for the tensioning cycle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of strap tension deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrapping device complexityVSAvoidstrap tension precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a force sensor measures the actual tension force applied to the strap during the tensioning cycle. The controller receives this force data and compares it against the target tension parameter, then dynamically adjusts the tension parameter for subsequent tensioning cycles to maintain optimal strap tension within the designated range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces fixed mechanical tension control with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and controllers. The force sensor and controller work together to automatically adjust tension parameters, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments and providing consistent, precise tension control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the strapping device does not implement tension detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of strap joint detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidstrap joint reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual tension applied to the strap, enabling the controller to detect whether the tension falls within the optimal range. This allows the system to identify potential strap joint failures before they occur, rather than detecting them only after damage has happened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the operator manually adjusts tension parameters using trial-and-error, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of the strapping process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidstrapping process productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The strapping device performs self-adjustment of tension parameters through the automated feedback control system. The controller automatically modifies the tension parameter based on force sensor data without requiring operator intervention, enabling the system to self-correct tension deviations and maintain optimal performance continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The real-time feedback from the force sensor enables automatic adjustment of tension parameters, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments. This automated closed-loop control significantly improves productivity by preventing tension deviations before they affect strap joint reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 device ensures consistent strap tension within optimal ranges, preventing failures and ensuring secure loads without manual operator intervention, thereby improving strapping efficiency and load security.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor configured to detect an amount of force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP4382439B1Strapping device configured to dynamically adjust a tension parameter
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SIGNODE IND GROUP LLC
  • EP4382439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4382439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4382439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device with a force-measurement system, that, responsive to determining that a strap on a load is under tensioned causes subsequent tensioning of straps to be increased, and responsive to determining that a strap on a load is over tensioned causes subsequent tensioning of straps to be decreased.