Plastic Strapping Baling System with Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping systems for bales of materials, particularly those made of metal wire, are costly and unsuitable for binding garbage or solid waste, as the wire survives incineration intact and cannot be used for refuse-derived fuel applications.
Innovation Solution
A baling assembly using a strap track assembly with a frame and track system that employs plastic strapping, where the track is lined with metallic and flexible materials to guide and secure the strapping material, preventing debris from interfering with the strapping process, and includes debris covers to prevent material from falling into the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal wire is used to bind bales of material, then the bale is securely bound and maintained in formed state, but the material cost is relatively high and it cannot be used for garbage or solid waste that are used as refuse derived fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal wire with inexpensive plastic strapping that is discarded after use, particularly when baling garbage or solid waste for refuse derived fuel. The plastic strapping serves its binding function and is then removed before incineration, avoiding the problem of metal wire surviving intact through the incineration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plastic strapping is used to bind bales of material, then material cost is reduced and adaptability to various materials including garbage is improved, but the strapping system becomes more complex and requires debris protection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The strapping system is divided into distinct functional components: a frame structure, a track system for guiding strapping, flap members for controlling strapping exit, and debris covers for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing a complete strapping solution that handles various materials including garbage.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system acts as an intermediary between the strapping supply and the bale, guiding the plastic strapping through a defined path. The flap members serve as intermediaries that control when and how the strapping exits the track, while debris covers act as intermediaries that protect the track from material interference without preventing strapping operation.
3Ease of operation
If the track is exposed without protection, then the strapping process is simple and accessible, but individual pieces of baled material can fall onto and interfere with the track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flap members that act as flexible barriers, allowing plastic strapping to pass through while preventing solid debris from contacting the track. These flexible elements can open to permit strapping movement and close to block debris, providing selective protection without completely enclosing the track system.
Solution Approach 2:
Debris covers are positioned to prevent material from falling onto the track before the strapping process is affected. The flap members are configured to contact each other in advance, creating a barrier that stops debris interference before it can disrupt the strapping operation, while still allowing strapping to pass when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for applying plastic strapping to bales of material. A strap track assembly comprises a frame, a track, and a flap assembly. The frame is frame sized and configured to permit a bale of material to pass therethrough. The track is coupled to and positioned along an inner surface of the frame, with the track sized and configured to house a length of strapping material therein. The flap assembly is operatively connected to a portion of track positioned along a lower portion of the frame, with the flap assembly including a first flap in selective contact with a second flap. The first flap may be constructed of a metallic material, and the second strap may be constructed of an elastomeric material such as rubber. A debris cover may be operatively connected to a front surface of the frame, with a portion of the debris cover positioned above at least a portion of the track so as to inhibit individual pieces of baled material from contacting the flap assembly and/or the track. Individual plates may be operatively connected to and extend away from an exit portion of an associated baler.