Shock Absorbing Feed Wheel Assembly for Strapping Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping machine feed wheel assemblies experience premature failure due to shock stresses from abruptly stopping straps, particularly when handling hard materials, and suffer from strap slippage leading to premature wear of the feed wheel surface.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing feed wheel assembly featuring a feed wheel with a friction engaging surface and pockets, a spring hub, and biasing elements such as coil springs, which absorb the shock of abruptly stopping straps and prevent slippage by maintaining a biased connection between the feed wheel and gearbox components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid keyed connection is used between the feed wheel and adapter shaft, then the feed wheel is securely retained, but shock stresses from abruptly stopping straps cause premature failure of keys and adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The feed wheel is made dynamically adjustable along the adapter shaft through a threading mechanism. The feed wheel includes threaded bores that receive threaded rods, allowing the feed wheel position to be adjusted and locked at different locations. This dynamic positioning allows the system to absorb shock loads while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between rigid retention and shock resistance.
2Reliability
If the feed wheel is firmly fixed to prevent slippage, then strap retraction is effective, but shock forces are transmitted to the gearbox and output shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates shock-absorbing elements (such as springs or elastomeric materials) between the feed wheel and the adapter shaft or gearbox. These cushioning elements are pre-installed to absorb the shock forces generated when straps abruptly stop during retraction, preventing the transmission of harmful shock loads to the gearbox and output shaft while maintaining effective strap grip.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple keyed connection is used, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but it cannot absorb shock or prevent strap slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the feed wheel and adapter shaft uses composite construction, combining metallic components (feed wheel, adapter shaft, threaded rods) with shock-absorbing materials (springs, elastomers, or dampers). This composite approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding shock absorption and slippage prevention capabilities, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
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 assembly reduces stress on the feed head motor and drive components, prevents strap slippage, and prolongs the life of the feed wheel frictional surface by effectively absorbing shock and maintaining engagement during strap retraction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing element is positioned in the at least one feed wheel pocket and the at least one spring hub pocket, such that the biasing element is sandwiched between, and operably, rotationally connects the feed wheel and the spring hub
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments the biasing element is a spring. The spring can be a coil spring.
Implementation Method 3
The feed wheel has a friction engaging surface and at least one pocket formed therein. In some embodiments, the friction engaging surface includes a toothed or serrated formation therein.
Data Source
AI summary
A strapping machine of the type that feeds, retracts, tensions and seals strap to itself to form a loop of strap around a load, has a shock absorbing feed wheel assembly. The machine includes a frame, a feed head having a motor, a tension head, a sealing head and a strap chute mounted to the frame. The feed wheel assembly has a friction engaging surface and at least one pocket formed therein. A spring hub is engaged with the feed wheel and has at least one pocket formed therein corresponding to the feed wheel pocket. The spring hub is operably connected to the feed head motor. At least one spring is positioned in the feed wheel pocket and the spring hub pocket and is sandwiched between the feed wheel and the spring hub. The feed wheel is driven by rotation of the spring hub and engagement of the spring with the feed wheel pocket and spring hub pocket. The shock absorbing feed wheel assembly dampens the forces on the feed head motor and drive when the feed wheel comes to an abrupt stop and prevents strap slippage.