Pivotable Tensioning Wheel for Mobile Strapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile strapping devices lack flexibility and efficient operation, particularly in applying tension and forming closed loops with plastic straps, as they require manual adjustment and stationary tensioning wheel axes, limiting their adaptability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile strapping device with a pivotable tensioning wheel and a drive mechanism powered by a chargeable energy storage means, allowing the tensioning wheel to rotate and pivot, automatically adjusting the distance between its surface and the tensioning element, enabling automatic tension application and friction welding without manual force, and using a DC electric motor for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tensioning wheel axis is stationary, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks flexibility and requires manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning wheel axis is made pivotable about a pivot axis that is offset from the rotational axis, transforming the stationary structure into a dynamic one. This allows the tensioning wheel to automatically adjust its position relative to the tensioning element during operation, providing flexibility without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the tensioning element is movable to adjust distance, then the tension can be adjusted, but the operation becomes more complex and requires manual force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the tensioning element movable to adjust the distance, the invention inverts the approach by making the tensioning wheel pivotable. This allows the distance between the tensioning wheel and tensioning element to be adjusted automatically through the pivotable wheel's movement, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the tensioning element
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable tensioning wheel automatically adjusts its own position relative to the tensioning element during operation. The system self-regulates the distance between components through the mechanical advantage of the pivotable axis, eliminating the need for external manual intervention to maintain proper tension
3Productivity
If manual adjustment is required, then the device structure is simple, but productivity decreases and manual effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable tensioning wheel automatically adjusts and maintains the optimal distance between itself and the tensioning element during operation. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while reducing manual effort
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 provides enhanced flexibility and operation by automatically adjusting tension and forming secure loops with reduced manual effort, ensuring consistent tension and efficient energy use, particularly suitable for small and round packaged goods with high tensile forces.
Implementation Method 1
drive means for driving said tensioning means and said connecting means by energy supplied by said chargeable energy storage means
Implementation Method 2
In case of friction welding, a friction shoe moving in an oscillating manner is pressed onto the area of two portions of the strap forming a loop. Pressure and heat produced by frictional movement of the friction shoe locally melt the strap
Implementation Method 3
a tensioning wheel having an outer circumferential surface and being rotatably drivable about its rotational axis by said drive means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mobile strapping device for strapping goods with a strap is provided which comprises a tensioning means (5, 25) for applying a tension to a loop of said strap, a connecting means (7) for providing a connection in said strap for forming a closed loop of said strap, a chargeable energy storage means and a drive means (9) for driving said tensioning means (5, 25) and said connecting means (7) by energy supplied by said chargeable energy storage means. The tensioning means (5, 25) comprises a tensioning wheel (5) having an outer circumferential surface and being rotatably drivable about its rotational axis by said drive means and a tensioning element (25) having a surface which faces the outer circumferential surface of said tensioning wheel (5), wherein said tensioning wheel (5) is pivotable about a pivot axis (26) which is parallel to and offset from said rotational axis of said tensioning wheel (5).