Strap Tension Measurement Using Deformation and Breakage Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strapping machines lack objective criteria for adjusting tensioning based on bundle geometry and external conditions, leading to variations in welding resistance and tightening force, and are prone to wear and maintenance issues affecting strapping quality.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device and method to determine strapping parameters such as stress, deformation, elongation, breaking load, and welding efficiency, using a simulator with heads that replicate product geometry and detect these parameters during strapping operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If strapping machines use manual or basic automatic tensioning adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of strapping quality deteriorate due to lack of objective criteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrapping quality consistencyVSAvoidmeasuring device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device performs preliminary measurement of bundle geometry parameters (length, width, height) before the strapping operation. This allows the system to pre-calculate optimal tensioning parameters and welding settings based on the specific bundle characteristics, ensuring consistent strapping quality without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the strapping process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device creates a digital model or copy of the bundle geometry by scanning and measuring its dimensions. This digital representation is then used by the control system to determine appropriate strapping parameters, replacing the need for complex physical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If strapping machines lack real-time measurement capabilities, then the device complexity is lower, but the reliability of strapping quality deteriorates due to variations in welding resistance and tightening force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrapping quality reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device provides real-time feedback on bundle geometry and strapping parameters during the operation. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust tensioning and welding parameters, ensuring reliable strapping quality despite variations in bundle characteristics or material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If operators manually adjust tensioning parameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to subjective judgment variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensioning parameter precisionVSAvoidparameter adjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device and control system automatically perform the function of parameter adjustment that would otherwise require operator intervention. The system measures bundle geometry, calculates optimal tensioning parameters, and sets them automatically, eliminating subjective judgment variations while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If strapping machines do not use measurement devices, then the productivity is higher due to faster operation, but the manufacturing precision of strapping quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrapping parameter precisionVSAvoidstrapping operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device performs rapid geometric measurement of the bundle before strapping, allowing the control system to pre-determine all necessary parameters. This preliminary action enables high-speed automated strapping without compromising precision, as all adjustments are made in advance based on measured data rather than requiring slow manual adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures consistent and reliable strapping quality by providing real-time data for adjusting strapping machines, improving the stability and integrity of bundled packages.

Implementation Method 1

detection means (6) for detecting at least the stress and deformation values affecting the strap (R)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12486059B2Device for measuring the tensioning of a strapping, method for measuring said tensioning and strapping machine using the aforesaid measuring device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 ITIPACK SRL

AI summary

A device for measuring the tensioning of a strap wound around one or more products or objects includes: a frame that supports a first head and a second head opposed, spaced apart and configured to receive a strap that is strapped externally to both of them; a movement mechanism for mutually displacing the heads, a detector for detecting the stress and deformation data of the strap when the movement mechanism mutually move the heads away to deform the strap until the relative breakage; a computer operatively connected to the detector, configured to process the data acquired by the detector and to calculate the values of the tensile load and of the elongation affecting the strap.