Split Wiper Tape Applicator for Uneven Carton Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tape applicators struggle to effectively apply pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to cartons that are under-packed or over-packed, where the flaps are not level with respect to each other, leading to incomplete sealing.
Innovation Solution
A tape applicator with a split wiper that includes independently operable first and second wiper portions, allowing for flexible application of pressure to carton flaps, even when they are not in the same plane, combined with a cutting blade for precise tape application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single rigid wiper is used to apply pressure to the tape, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively seal tape to cartons with uneven flaps
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is divided into multiple independent segments that can flex and conform to uneven surfaces. Each segment can independently apply pressure to the tape, allowing the wiper to effectively seal tape to cartons with uneven flaps while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the wiper is made flexible to conform to uneven flaps, then sealing effectiveness improves, but control over pressure application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic pressure control. The spring allows the wiper to flex and conform to uneven flap surfaces while maintaining consistent pressure through its elastic properties, combining flexibility with controlled force application.
3Reliability
If the wiper applies pressure to ensure complete sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the wiper cannot adapt to varying flap positions
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented wiper design allows each section to independently adapt to different flap positions and angles. This segmentation enables the wiper to maintain complete sealing contact across varying carton configurations while ensuring thorough pressure application to the tape.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper utilizes flexible material construction that allows it to bend and conform to the varying positions of carton flaps. This flexibility enables the wiper to adapt to different packing scenarios while maintaining effective sealing pressure across the entire tape width.
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 split wiper design ensures effective sealing of adhesive tape to cartons with uneven flaps, enhancing the applicator's ability to handle variations in carton packing, while the cutting blade ensures precise tape length application.
Implementation Method 1
The wiper may be formed of a material that allows the wiper to act like a spring, such that it can be bent from a resting position to a curved position during application of the tape and spring back into the resting position
Data Source
AI summary
A tape applicator consistent with the present disclosure may include a tape applicator configured for applying a tape, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive tape to a carton (e.g., for sealing and/or assembling the carton). One or more rollers may be utilized to aid in applying the pressure sensitive adhesive tape to a carton. Furthermore, a wiper aids in applying pressure sensitive adhesive tape to a carton (e.g., before and/or after the one or more rollers). The wiper may be a split wiper having a first portion and a second portion, which allows for applying adhesive tape to a carton when the carton is under-packed or over-packed, and thus, the flaps of the carton are not level with respect to each other (e.g., the edges are not located in the same plane).