Strapping Magazine Vertical Stacking Curved Conveyor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge protection systems for packages during strapping processes often lead to damage due to high forces exerted by strapping materials, and prior magazine designs require increased installation space and complex control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A magazine with a removal tool having an elongated leg attached to a conveyor, featuring a dual-function separating device and a curved conveying surface, allows for efficient and space-saving removal and alignment of edge protection means, utilizing a combination of mechanical and gravitational forces for precise orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the magazine stores multiple edge protection means vertically stacked, then the installation space horizontally is reduced, but the removal and alignment precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal storage arrangement to vertical stacking of edge protection means in the magazine. This dimensional change allows multiple edge protection means to be stored in a compact vertical column, significantly reducing the horizontal installation space footprint while maintaining accessibility through the removal device that operates vertically to extract individual pieces as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a curved conveying surface as an intermediary mechanism between the vertical storage position and the horizontal application position. This curved surface acts as a transition zone that automatically orients and aligns the edge protection means during its movement from the magazine to the application point, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a simple conveyor system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and speed adjustment range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanismVSAvoidspeed adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic conveyor system with adjustable speed capabilities, allowing the conveying mechanism to adapt its speed according to different operational requirements. This dynamic control enables precise speed adjustment within a wide range while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure, balancing complexity and productivity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the removal tool has a long leg for reaching edge protection means, then the removal capability is improved, but the deflection radius of the conveyor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoiddeflection radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a curved conveying surface with optimized radius of curvature that allows the removal tool's long leg to access edge protection means effectively while accommodating the necessary deflection radius. The curved geometry is specifically designed to work harmoniously with the long-legged removal tool, transforming the potential disadvantage of increased deflection radius into a functional advantage for smooth transitions and precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design effectively prevents edge damage by ensuring precise alignment and secure handling of edge protection means, reducing installation space requirements and simplifying control efforts while maintaining efficient strapping processes.

Implementation Method 1

the free end of the leg of the removal tool accelerating the edge protection means due to the higher movement speed in the deflection area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2700577B1Cartridge for a strapping device
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 SPG PACKAGING SYST GMBH
  • EP2700577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2700577B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2700577B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The magazine (10) has several edge protection units (13) which are provided for holding the strapping portions of a package. The edge protection units are formed in plate-like structure for holding the strapping portions of the package. A removal device (18) is provided for removing the edge protection unit and arranging the strapping portions one above another vertically with respect to a mounting plane. The contact surfaces (14) are formed on the mounting plane horizontally for the arrangement of the strapping portions of the package.