Strap Accumulator with Gravity Feed and Movable Diverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strapping machines face issues with accumulator malfunctions due to complex moving parts and limited access for maintenance, leading to twisted, tangled, or distorted straps, which complicates the bundling process.
Innovation Solution
A modular strapping apparatus with a track assembly and accumulator system that includes a strap conveyor system and a movable strap diverter, allowing for easy strap feeding and accumulation using gravity, and a control system that monitors tension and initiates secondary tensioning and sealing operations to secure the strap around the bundle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional accumulators use complex moving parts to feed strap into receptacles, then the strapping machine can perform bundling operations, but the accumulator becomes prone to malfunctioning and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex moving parts from the accumulator system. The accumulator receptacle is designed to be stationary with no moving parts, eliminating the source of malfunctions while maintaining the essential function of strap accumulation and feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The strapping machine is divided into separate modular assemblies including the accumulator, feed and tension assembly, sealing assembly, and track assembly. This segmentation allows the accumulator to be independently accessed and maintained without affecting other components, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
2Ease of repair
If the accumulator receptacle is designed with limited access, then the structure can be compact, but maintenance becomes difficult and strap manipulation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator receptacle incorporates a movable wall or door that can be dynamically opened or removed to provide wide access for maintenance and strap manipulation. When closed, the receptacle maintains a compact form factor; when opened, it allows easy access to the accumulated strap without requiring large overall dimensions.
3Area of stationary object
If strap is accumulated in a confined receptacle space, then the machine footprint is reduced, but the strap becomes twisted, tangled, or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the accumulator receptacle with three-dimensional strap routing paths and guide structures that allow the strap to be accumulated in an organized manner within a compact space. The strap is guided along specific dimensional paths that prevent twisting and tangling while maintaining a small footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rollers, flutes, or other intermediary structures are introduced within the receptacle to mediate the strap's path during accumulation. These intermediaries maintain the strap's linear configuration and prevent distortion while allowing compact storage space.
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of the strapping process by reducing accumulator malfunctions, simplifying maintenance, and ensuring proper strap configuration for bundling, while allowing for adaptable operation with various production specifications.
Implementation Method 1
the strap is unconstrained and free to move downwardly through the entrance when the strap diverter is in the open position
Data Source
AI summary
The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.