Strapping Device Edge Protection Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strapping devices often damage packages by exerting high forces on their edges during the strapping process, leading to issues like edge cutting or indentation, and existing edge protection systems can be incorrectly removed due to counterforces during the transfer process.

Innovation Solution

A new drive system utilizing an endlessly circulating conveyor with a rail that extends from the magazine, where the edge protection's weight creates a sufficient frictional connection for reliable transfer to the arrangement device, and a pair of rollers stabilizes and guides the edge protection means to prevent misalignment and ensure accurate placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If removal tools push the edge protection means from the rear narrow edge, then the edge protection can be transferred to the arrangement device, but incorrect removal occurs due to counterforces from other edge protection means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge protection transferVSAvoidremoval accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the edge protection means from the composite stack in the magazine before transfer. By separating the intended edge protection from the others upstream, the system eliminates counterforces that would otherwise cause incorrect removal. This is achieved by positioning the edge protection on a separate conveyor path where it can be moved without interference from remaining edge protection means in the magazine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conveyor as an intermediary between the magazine and the arrangement device. This conveyor acts as a mediator that receives the detached edge protection means and transports it to the arrangement device, isolating the transfer process from the magazine's internal forces and ensuring reliable, error-free transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high forces are exerted on package edges during strapping, then the strapping process is effective, but package damage occurs such as edge cutting or indentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrapping effectivenessVSAvoidpackage edge damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing edge protection means on the package edges before the strapping process. These protective elements act as a cushion between the strapping forces and the package edges, distributing and reducing the peak forces that would otherwise cause cutting or indentation damage while still allowing effective strapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If frictional connection is used to propel edge protection means, then the drive system is simple, but incorrect removal occurs when counterforces act on the edge protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive system simplicityVSAvoidtransfer accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detaching the edge protection means from the composite edge protection in the magazine before the frictional propulsion begins. This upstream separation ensures that when the frictional drive acts on the edge protection, no counterforces from adjacent edge protection means are present, eliminating incorrect removal while keeping the drive system simple.

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

This solution prevents incorrect removal of edge protection means and reduces the risk of package damage by using the edge protection's weight for propulsion and rollers for stabilization, allowing for efficient and accurate placement on packages, thus minimizing edge damage during strapping.

Implementation Method 1

the frictional connection between the conveyor and edge protection necessary for the propulsion movement is achieved by its own weight of the edge protection means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the frictional connection between the conveyor and edge protection necessary for the propulsion movement is achieved by its own weight of the edge protection means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2700578B1Strapping device for packages
Publication Date: 2015.01.21 SPG PACKAGING SYST GMBH
  • EP2700578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2700578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2700578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drive has an endless rotating conveyor (19) i.e. drive belt, on which an edge protection part (13) is mounted. An arrangement device of the edge protection part is arranged at the package before a strapping process. The edge protection part is held at the package by a strapping part i.e. thermoplastic tape, after the strapping process. The edge protection part is moved from a magazine (10) to the arrangement device. A frictional engagement between the conveyor and the edge protection part necessary for a drive movement, is caused by a dead weight of the edge protection part.