Tape Dispensing Machine with Automatic Length Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape dispensing machines require manual adjustment of strip length for each container, leading to inefficiency and waste of time, especially when dealing with containers of varying sizes.

Innovation Solution

A machine equipped with measuring devices and a control unit that automatically determines the container's dimension, allowing for precise and efficient dispensing of tape strips of the appropriate length, including a supplementary command sensor to ensure accurate completion of the strip length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of strip length is performed for each container, then the tape dispensing machine can accommodate containers of varying sizes, but the operator efficiency decreases and time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate containers of varying sizesVSAvoidoperator efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device automatically measures the container dimension and the control unit automatically calculates and sets the required strip length, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the appropriate tape length based on measured container dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated optical/electronic measuring device and control system. The measuring device captures container dimensions and the control unit processes this data to automatically set the dispensing parameters, substituting manual operation with automated sensing and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent manual adjustment of strip length is performed, then containers of different sizes can be processed, but time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process containers of different sizesVSAvoidtime wasted on repeated adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically measures each container and independently determines the required strip length without requiring operator intervention for adjustment. This self-service capability eliminates repeated manual adjustments and the associated time loss while maintaining full adaptability to different container sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device measures the container dimension before dispensing, and the control unit pre-calculates the required strip length in advance. This preliminary measurement and calculation action prevents the need for subsequent manual adjustments, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining processing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automatic dispensing is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing speed and automationVSAvoidaccuracy of container dimension measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an optical or electronic measuring device instead of manual measurement methods to achieve high measurement precision. This substitution enables automatic dispensing with accurate container dimension detection, resolving the contradiction between increased productivity through automation and the heightened measurement precision requirements that automation demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3383778B1Machine for feeding tape material
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 CYKLOP SRL
  • EP3383778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3383778B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The machine for dispensing tape material comprises a feed roller for feeding tape material (4) wound on a reel and pulling means predisposed to unwind said tape material (4) from said reel of tape material and to convey it towards an exit opening (3) of the machine. The machine comprises cut means predisposed to cut a strip of tape material (4).