Single Pneumatic Motor Strapping Apparatus Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatically actuated strapping apparatuses are heavy due to multiple motor drives, leading to increased weight and cost, and often require complex control systems to manage multiple motorized sub-assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A single pneumatic motor drives both the tensioning and welding devices, with reversible operation via freewheels or roller clutches, and integrated reversing valves to minimize power loss and component size, allowing for a lighter and more cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motor drives are used for tensioning and welding devices, then each device can be driven independently, but the weight and cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pneumatic motor is designed to perform multiple functions by driving both the tensioning device and the welding device through reversible operation. The motor can be connected to different drive trains depending on the operational requirement, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function and thereby reducing the overall apparatus weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple motor drives into a single pneumatic motor unit. By merging the drive functions and using a common pneumatic power source, the apparatus achieves weight reduction while maintaining the capability to drive both tensioning and welding operations through strategic connection to different mechanical subsystems.
2Reliability
If multiple motor drives are used for tensioning and welding devices, then each device can be driven independently, but the cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single pneumatic motor is designed with universal applicability to drive both tensioning and welding functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs while maintaining operational reliability through proper mechanical coupling arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple motor functions into one pneumatic motor system, the patent reduces the overall cost of the apparatus. The consolidation of drive mechanisms simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces component inventory requirements, and lowers assembly complexity compared to using separate motors for each function.
3Weight of moving object
If a single pneumatic motor drives both devices, then weight and cost are reduced, but complex control systems would be needed to manage simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mechanical coupling through freewheels and roller clutches that automatically adapt to operational requirements. These mechanical elements provide dynamic engagement and disengagement of the drive train based on operational mode, eliminating the need for complex electronic control systems while maintaining the ability to drive either tensioning or welding function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling elements (freewheels and roller clutches) provide self-regulating operation where the system automatically selects the appropriate drive path based on operational needs without requiring external control signals. The mechanical design inherently prevents simultaneous engagement of both tensioning and welding drives, eliminating control system complexity.
4Reliability
If the pneumatic motor shaft is dimensioned for long distance torque transmission, then reliable drive is achieved, but the shaft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into modular components with the pneumatic motor positioned close to the drive points. By segmenting the power transmission path and using multiple smaller drive trains rather than one long shaft, the patent reduces the total shaft length and weight while maintaining reliable torque transmission through strategically placed freewheels and roller clutches.
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
This solution reduces the weight and cost of the strapping apparatus by using a single motor, minimizing power consumption, and eliminating the need for complex control systems, while ensuring reliable operation of either the tensioning or welding device without simultaneous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning device (10) and a welding device (20) which are driven by one and the same pneumatic motor (8)
Implementation Method 2
operatively connected alternatively to the tensioning or the welding device via freewheels (or roller clutches), which latter allow free movement in opposite directions
Implementation Method 3
a vibrating plate, as part of the welding device, is then lowered onto the clamped-together bands and set in vibration
Implementation Method 4
which, owing to the friction which is hereupon generated, leads to local fusion of the thermoweldable plastics tape
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatically actuated strapping apparatus for strapping plastic tape around a packaging item including a motorized tensioning device and a motorized welding device for the plastic tape. The tensioning device and the welding device are driven by the same pneumatic motor. The direction of rotation of the pneumatic motor can be inverted. The pneumatic motor is connected to the devices by two freewheeling mechanisms releasing the devices in opposite directions. In order to keep power consumption for evacuating non-operational air low, in a particularly preferred embodiment, switching valves which automatically discharge the nonoperational air to the exterior are integrated into the air intake ducts that are used as evacuation ducts for the non-operational air when the direction of rotation is inverted.