Strapping Apparatus Force Sensor Sealing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strapping methods using plastic straps face issues with dynamic loads during transport and handling, leading to strap rupture, and lack documentation for seal quality and wear assessment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a force sensor into the sealing ram of the strapping device to measure and control the force applied during sealing, allowing for the collection and analysis of sealing data, including wear estimation and material consumption, and transmitting this data for remote evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding connection is used to connect strapping band ends, then sealing is achieved, but dynamic loads cause strap rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the force applied during sealing through a force sensor and adjusting the sealing process parameters accordingly. The controller receives signals from the force sensor and modifies the sealing process to ensure optimal seal quality without excessive forces that could cause strap rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of force application during sealing by using a force sensor to measure and control the sealing force. This allows optimization of sealing parameters to achieve reliable seals while preventing strap failure due to excessive dynamic loads.
2Loss of information
If force sensor is embedded in sealing ram, then sealing data can be collected and analyzed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated into the sealing ram to enable the sealing device to self-monitor and self-documented its own operation. The sensor provides automatic measurement of sealing forces, and the controller automatically processes this data to create sealing documentation without requiring external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and assessment of seal quality with an automated force sensor and controller system. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with electronic sensing and data processing enables objective measurement and documentation of sealing parameters.
3Reliability
If sealing data is transmitted for remote evaluation, then maintenance needs can be predicted, but data transmission infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from force sensor data transmitted to remote locations to predict maintenance needs. The controller sends sealing data via computer network to evaluation units that analyze the data and provide feedback on seal quality trends, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor and data transmission system serve multiple functions: they monitor seal quality in real-time, provide documentation for quality assurance, enable remote evaluation, and support predictive maintenance. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.
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 secure sealing, provides documentation for quality assurance, predicts maintenance needs, and prevents failures by evaluating sealing data, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the strapping process.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a force sensor embedded in a sealing ram of the sealing device... the force exerted by the sealing ram on the band ends of the strapping band to be connected during manufacture of the seal is recorded with the aid of the force sensor
Implementation Method 2
a heating element... A sensor with a signal transmitter is associated with the pressure element to detect changes in the spacing between the pressure element and a support surface
Implementation Method 3
When strapping bales with the help of welded plastic straps... the band ends to be connected are welded together
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing strapping. A strapping band (4) is first guided about at least one packaging piece, tightened, and equipped with a closure at band ends (4a, 4b) to be connected in a closure unit (1). Furthermore, at least one sensor (7) connected to a control unit (8) is provided in the closure unit (1). One or more closure parameters are detected by means of the control unit (8) using the sensor (7), and the closure unit (1) is correspondingly actuated. According to the invention, the sensor (7) is designed as a load cell (7) which is let into a compression ram (6a, 6b) of the closure unit (1).