Multi-part Guide Frame for Strapping Bottles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping methods with closed strap guides face issues with strap misalignment and increased machine downtimes due to the rigid frame design, leading to errors in strap routing and insertion, which complicates the strapping process and increases material waste.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part guide frame is used where sections can be moved relative to each other in a horizontal plane to guide and tension the strapping strap, eliminating gaps and allowing for adjustable frame size to accommodate different container sizes, ensuring reliable and efficient strap feeding and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rigid closed strap guide frame is used, then the strapping process can be automated, but strap misalignment and routing errors increase leading to machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid closed strap guide frame is divided into multiple separate guide sections that can move independently. This segmentation allows each section to self-adjust and accommodate strap position variations, preventing misalignment errors while maintaining automation. The guide frame consists of several movable guide rails rather than a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap guide frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The guide sections can move horizontally to adapt to different container sizes and strap positions, enabling the automated system to maintain reliability across varying conditions without manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If a rigid frame with fixed entry radius is used, then the device structure is simplified, but adaptation to different container sizes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide frame incorporates movable sections that can adjust their position horizontally, allowing the entry radius and overall frame dimensions to adapt to different container sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains structural simplicity while achieving versatility across various package dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable guide frame serves multiple functions: it guides the strap during insertion, accommodates different container sizes, and maintains proper strap tension. By making the frame adaptable, a single device design can handle various packaging scenarios without requiring multiple specialized fixtures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaps are introduced in the strap frame for carrying handle insertion, then carrying handles can be attached, but erroneous pick trajectories and insertion errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate guide sections with controlled gaps, allowing carrying handle insertion while maintaining precise strap guidance. Each segment independently manages strap routing, preventing the propagation of positioning errors that would occur in a fully gapped rigid frame.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method for producing strapped multipacks (10) is disclosed in which at least two grouped containers (12) are connected and/or combined to form a multipack (10) by means of at least one strapping band (16) laid and/or tensioned horizontally around the containers (12), in that a loose end of the strapping band (16) is laid around the container grouping by means of a guide frame (26) lowered over an outer side of said grouping and then fixed there with the application of a prestress. Furthermore, a strapping device for producing strapped multipacks and for carrying out the method is disclosed. The guide frame (26) is formed by at least two subsections (28) which, to provide for band insertion, are moved towards one another in the horizontal direction, whereupon the strapping band (16) is introduced into the guide frame (26) and the latter is then moved apart by a distance tailored to the size of the grouping and lowered over the container grouping and/or placed against the outer side of the container grouping.