Interconnected Tie Assembly for Automated Bundling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional one-piece fixing ties and labelled ties are prone to deformation, making them unreliable for automatic bundling operations and requiring manual handling, which increases costs and waste in the injection molding process.
Innovation Solution
An interconnected tie assembly is designed, where one-piece fixing ties or labelled ties are connected to a main reinforcing plate, reducing deformation and allowing for automatic tying operations without a vibratory bowl feeder, and integrating with injection molding to minimize waste and manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If one-piece fixing ties are fed loose-packed by a vibratory bowl feeder, then automatic bundling operations can be performed, but the ties are prone to deformation and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the feeding system into two parts: (1) ties are interconnected in a fixed sequence to form an interconnected tie assembly that maintains stable shape, and (2) the assembly is fed as a unit rather than individual loose ties. This segmentation allows automatic feeding without deformation because the interconnected structure provides mutual support and maintains geometric stability during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The ties are pre-arranged in a specific interconnected configuration before feeding. The interconnected tie assembly is prepared in advance with ties connected in a fixed sequence, so that when fed to the automatic bundling apparatus, the ties are already in the correct positions and orientations, eliminating the need for complex sorting and positioning during operation.
2Reliability
If interconnected tie assemblies are used, then feeding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the interconnected structure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual ties are merged into a single interconnected tie assembly where ties are connected in sequence. This combining approach simplifies the feeding system because the entire assembly is handled as one unit, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms. The interconnected structure itself becomes the organizing principle rather than requiring additional complex device components.
3Ease of operation
If loose-packed one-piece fixing ties are manually handled and packaged, then production flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The production process is segmented into: (1) injection molding of interconnected tie assemblies as a unit, (2) direct feeding of the assembly to the bundling apparatus, and (3) automatic separation and use of individual ties. This segmentation eliminates the need for manual handling and packaging steps, directly improving productivity while maintaining the flexibility of individual tie application through the automatic separation process.
4Manufacturing precision
If ties are injection molded and manually pulled out one by one, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnected tie assembly is designed with built-in separation features during injection molding. The ties are pre-positioned and pre-connected in the correct sequence within the assembly, so that when the assembly is fed to the bundling apparatus, the ties can be automatically separated and applied without manual extraction. This preliminary arrangement during molding eliminates time-consuming manual handling while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connected tie strap, comprising: integrated fixing tie straps (1) or labeled tie straps (8), and main rib boards (2), wherein the main rib boards are perpendicular to the length direction of the integrated fixing tie straps or the labeled tie straps, and fixed heads of the integrated fixing tie straps or label edges of the labeled tie straps are connected to the main rib boards so as to become whole bodies and form connected tie strap units; one of the main rib boards and at least one of the integrated fixing tie straps or at least one of the labeled tie straps form one of the connected tie strap units; a shunt (3) is disposed between the fixed heads of the integrated fixing tie straps or labels of the labeled tie straps and the main rib boards; also comprised is an auxiliary rib board (6), wherein the auxiliary rib is perpendicular to the length direction of the integrated fixing tie straps or the labeled tie straps, and the auxiliary rib is connected to the ends of the integrated fixing tie straps or the labeled tie straps; the main rib boards and/or the auxiliary rib is further provided thereon with interval positioning holes or interval positioning post (7), two ends of the main rib boards and/or the auxiliary rib also being respectively provided with positioning holes (4) and/or positioning posts (5), and the heads and tails of a plurality of connected tie strap units are connected so as to form a tie strap string or a tie strap coil.