Strapping Device Strap-Attachment Check Cycle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strapping devices lack a mechanism to reliably check the strength of strap attachments before the load is secured, leading to potential failures during transport or storage.

Innovation Solution

A strapping device equipped with a sealing assembly and a controller that performs a strap-attachment check cycle by gripping both sides of the strap loop and applying a force to test the attachment strength, providing immediate feedback on the attachment quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strap-attachment check cycle is implemented to test attachment strength, then the reliability of strap loops is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional grippers and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it attaches the strap ends together and then serves as the gripping mechanism for the attachment check. The first and second grippers, which are part of the sealing assembly, grip portions of the strap on opposite sides of the attachment area to apply testing forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated testing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own sealing assembly and grippers to perform the attachment strength verification. The controller coordinates the sealing assembly's grippers to apply forces and monitor the attachment, allowing the device to self-verify its work without requiring external testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a strap-attachment check cycle is performed to verify attachment quality, then the occurrence of failures during transport is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to additional time required for the check

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment strength check is performed immediately after the sealing operation while the strap is still in position and the sealing assembly is already engaged. This preliminary verification catches attachment defects before the load is moved, preventing failed straps from entering the transport phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment check cycle is integrated into the continuous strapping operation. The sealing assembly transitions directly from the sealing action to the checking action without releasing the strap, maintaining continuous engagement and minimizing idle time between operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11577867B2Strapping device configured to carry out a strap-attachment check cycle

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 SIGNODE IND GROUP LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strapping device configured to carry out a strap-attachment check cycle. After attaching leading and trailing strap ends of a strap to one another to form a tensioned loop of strap around a load, the strapping device is configured to carry out the strap-attachment cycle to test the strength of the attachment between the leading and trailing strap ends and to provide feedback as to whether the strap attachment is satisfactory.