Pneumatic Track Guide Assembly for Wire Bundling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire-tying systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,891, do not effectively manage the tension cycle of wire guidance around bundles of objects, leading to passive release of wire tension which can result in inefficiencies during bundling processes.
Innovation Solution
A track guide assembly with a pneumatic system that pressurizes and depressurizes to securely guide the wire during feed and tension cycles, respectively, using a combination of straight and corner track segments coupled to a carrier plate subassembly and a pneumatic hose to control the wire path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a passive track guide assembly is used to guide wire around objects, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but wire tension management is poor and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic actuators integrated into the track guide assembly to actively control wire tension during the bundling process. Compressible air or gas is used to apply force to the wire, enabling precise tension management that improves productivity while maintaining manufacturability through modular pneumatic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The track guide assembly transitions from a static, passive structure to a dynamic system with movable components that can adjust wire guidance in real-time. The pneumatic actuators enable the track segments to move and adapt during operation, optimizing wire tension control for enhanced bundling efficiency.
2Device complexity
If passive wire release during tension cycle is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but wire tension control is insufficient and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Pneumatic actuators provide precise, controllable force application to the wire during tension cycles. The pneumatic system enables accurate wire positioning and tension control without requiring complex mechanical release mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the wire guidance by applying pneumatic pressure to alter wire tension and position dynamically. This parameter change approach enables precise wire control during critical phases of the bundling process without increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If unitary straight and corner sections are used in track guide assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different wire tension requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The track guide assembly incorporates dynamic, movable segments that can adjust their position and configuration in response to different wire tension requirements. This dynamic capability provides versatility in handling various bundling scenarios while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic track guide assembly is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where the same basic structure can adapt to different wire tension requirements through pneumatic actuation. The system serves multiple functions including wire guidance, tension control, and position adjustment, enhancing versatility without sacrificing manufacturability.
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 system ensures secure wire guidance during feed cycles and efficient release during tension cycles, enhancing the bundling process by maintaining wire tension and preventing wire release, thus improving the bundling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic system fluidically coupled to a regulated pressure source, a pressure release valve, and the track guide assembly, the pneumatic system configured to pressurize and depressurize the track guide assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A track system, for use in connection with bundling one or more objects positioned within a bundling station, includes guiding a length of wire through a track guide assembly. The track guide assembly includes a plurality of straight and corner track segments coupled to each other and to a carrier plate subassembly, the track guide assembly substantially enclosing a wire guide path to guide the length of wire about the one or more objects. The track system further includes a pneumatic system configured to reduce a pressure to release the plurality of straight and corner track segments to free the length of wire during a tension cycle and to increase the pressure to fix the plurality of straight and corner track segments during a feed cycle. Related systems and methods are also provided.