Laser-Welded Binding Loop Break-Off Without Separate Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binding machines require complex cutting mechanisms and risk damage when securing elongated binding elements in loops around objects, as they often rely on penetrating laser beams to cut through the material.
Innovation Solution
A binding machine with a feeding device and laser welding device controlled by an electronic control unit, which reduces the tensile strength of the binding element at the trailing end without cutting, allowing the binding element to be broken off under tension, eliminating the need for a separate cutting member and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a penetrating laser beam is used to cut through the binding element, then the binding element can be severed, but the risk of damaging the binding element loop below increases and sparks are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting action of a penetrating laser beam with a thermal weakening process. The laser beam heats the binding element at the trailing end to reduce its tensile strength, allowing it to break under tension without requiring the laser to cut through the material. This substitution eliminates sparks and damage risk associated with penetrating cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary thermal action to the binding element before the actual breaking occurs. The laser beam pre-heats the binding element at the trailing end to reduce its tensile strength in advance, so that when tension is applied, the binding element breaks easily at the heated location without requiring forceful cutting.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate cutting member is included in the binding machine, then the binding element can be severed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting function with the existing laser welding device. The same laser beam that welds the binding element loop is also used to heat and weaken the trailing end for breaking. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate cutting member and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser welding device is given multiple functions: it both welds the binding element loop together and heats the trailing end to enable breaking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cutting equipment and simplifies the machine structure.
3Productivity
If the laser beam cuts through the binding element, then the binding element is severed, but the process time increases and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming and damaging mechanical cutting process with a rapid thermal weakening process. The laser beam quickly heats the binding element to reduce tensile strength, and the element breaks almost instantly under tension, significantly reducing process time and eliminating damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the binding element before breaking occurs. By pre-heating the trailing end to reduce tensile strength in advance, the actual breaking process becomes extremely rapid and clean, eliminating the time and damage associated with forceful cutting through the material.
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 enables rapid and secure binding without the need for a separate cutting tool, reducing complexity and preventing damage to the binding element, while avoiding the formation of sparks.
Implementation Method 1
the laser welding device is made to direct a laser beam onto an area across the binding element at the trailing end of the second binding element section in order to reduce the tensile strength of the binding element
Implementation Method 2
a laser welding device for forming a welded joint between said first binding element section and an adjoining second binding element section
Data Source
AI summary
A binding machine comprising: —a feeding device for feeding a binding element (3) in the form of a wire or strap around one or more objects and subsequently retracting the binding element to draw it tightly around said objects; and —a laser welding device (12) for forming a welded joint between a first section at the leading end of the binding element and an adjoining second section at the trailing end of the part (3a) of the binding element fed around said objects to thereby secure this part of the binding element in a loop around the objects. The laser welding device directs a laser beam onto an area (30) at the trailing end of said second section in order to reduce the tensile strength of the binding element, wherein the feeding device retracts the binding element in order to subject this area to tensile stress and thereby cause the binding element to be broken off.