Spring-Biased Tag Arms for Automated Elastic Loop Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for applying items with flexible loops, such as coupons, to products on a production line are labor-intensive and inefficient due to the need for manual operation and difficulty in accurately placing the correct number and type of items at a rapid pace.
Innovation Solution
A tag applicator with a linear actuator and pivotably connected tag arms, biased by a spring, uses separator rollers to separate the arms and extend the elastic loop, allowing for automated application of tags from a bandolier to products moving on a conveyor belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to place items on products, then placement accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag applicator is designed to automatically perform the tagging operation without human intervention. The system self-regulates through the spring-biased arms that automatically engage and disengage tags from the bandolier and apply them to products moving on the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for manual placement while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated mechanical system. The spring-biased tag arms provide automatic mechanical action to separate, hold, and apply tags, substituting human manual operation with a self-actuating mechanical mechanism that increases throughput while reducing labor intensity
2Productivity
If automated tag application is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring-biased tag arms for tag engagement and separation, the linear actuator for controlled movement, and the tag release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while enabling automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic spring-biased arms that automatically adjust their position and force application based on the tag material properties and conveyor speed. The spring mechanism provides adaptive mechanical action that simplifies control compared to rigid fixed-position systems, enabling automated operation with minimal complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If spring-biased tag arms are used, then tag separation accuracy is improved, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force parameter is optimized to provide sufficient separation force for accurate tag placement while remaining within reasonable limits. The spring constant and pre-load are carefully selected to match the tag material properties and desired separation distance, achieving accurate tag placement without excessive force requirements
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 solution enables efficient and accurate automated application of tags to products, improving throughput and reducing labor intensity by using a mechanical system to separate and attach the tags to products as they move along the production line.
Implementation Method 1
The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring
Implementation Method 2
a tag, having an elastic loop
Data Source
AI summary
A tag applicator, and a method, for applying a tag, having an elastic loop, to a product. The tag applicator includes a linear actuator, and a pair of tag arms, one end of each being pivotably connected to the linear actuator. The two arms are biased toward each other, such as by a spring. A separator is positioned between the tag arms, so as to force the tag arms to separate as the linear actuator extends. A finger or tag hook is connected at the end of each tag arm, configured and positioned to connect to or insert into the elastic loop, and to extend the elastic loop as the tag arms are separated. With the tag loop held open, the product moves into the loop, and the tag is thereby applied to the product.