Tape Applicator Edge Folding Mechanism for Nonstick Side

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tape applicators have complex edge folding structures that complicate assembly and fail to produce a reliable nonstick side edge, leading to difficulties in removing the tape from packaging.

Innovation Solution

A simplified tape applicator design featuring a main body with a side board, press roller, and edge folding block, where the tape is reversely folded and flattened to create a nonstick edge, allowing easy removal by forming a gap and using inclined surfaces to facilitate the folding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex edge folding structure with multiple components is used, then the tape can be folded to form a nonstick side edge, but the assembly becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenonstick side edge formationVSAvoidfolding unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple folding components (folding post, stop block, inclined block, press block, and rollers) into a single integrated edge folding block. This consolidation maintains the functionality of creating a nonstick side edge while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the conventional folding unit with multiple parts is used, then the tape folding function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetape folding capabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all folding mechanisms into one edge folding block that attaches to the side board, the patent dramatically simplifies the assembly process. The single integrated unit eliminates the need to assemble multiple separate folding components, making manufacturing easier and faster while preserving the complete tape folding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the conventional folding structure is used, then the tape can be folded, but the folded edge does not form a reliable nonstick side edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenonstick side edge qualityVSAvoidfolding unit components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated edge folding block combines the folding action (via inclined surface) and the pressing action (via press block with flat surface) into a single unified structure. This ensures that the tape edge is both folded and firmly pressed to create a reliable nonstick side edge, maintaining high quality results while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge folding block performs the folding action before the tape reaches the cutting blade. By pre-folding the tape edge in advance, the structure ensures that the nonstick side edge is already formed when the tape is applied, improving reliability while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the conventional folding unit is used, then the tape can be folded, but the user cannot easily tear off the tape from the packing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenonstick side edge formationVSAvoidtape removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated edge folding block creates a well-defined nonstick side edge that provides a clear separation between the adhesive and nonadhesive portions of the tape. This clear demarcation allows users to easily grasp and tear off the tape from the packing without difficulty, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable nonstick edge formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The new design enables easy assembly and allows for quick and convenient removal of tape from packaging due to its efficient edge folding mechanism, reducing the time and effort required to tear off the tape.

Implementation Method 1

One side of the reverse folding member has an inclined surface relative to the passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The base is provided with a flattening board close to the second end of the base. The flatting board has an end portion extending towards the passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3192758B1Tape applicator having edge folding structure
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 YU CHEN HSIU MAN
  • EP3192758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3192758B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3192758B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tape applicator having an edge folding structure includes a main body and an edge folding block. The edge folding block is provided with a transverse press board, a longitudinal reverse folding block, a longitudinal reverse folding reinforcement block, and a longitudinal flattening board. A distance is defined between the flattening board and the reverse folding reinforcement block. An outer side of the reverse folding block is pivotally connected with a folding post. The tape applicator has a simple structure and can be assembled easily with the folding post to be pivoted to the outer side of the reverse folding block. The tape applicator enables the tape to form a nonstick side edge exactly for the user to tear off the tape from a packing.