Tape Edge Folding Roller Self-Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tape applicators face challenges in consistently folding tape edges due to shifting tape within the applicator, caused by component tolerances and offset tape positions, leading to uneven folding and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A tape applicator with an edge folder roller assembly that includes a self-alignment mechanism with biasing and restraining members, allowing the edge folder roller to rotate and move axially, coupled with additional rollers to manage tape shifting and ensure uniform edge folding, even when the tape shifts within the applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static member (bracket) is used to fold the tape edge, then the structure is simple, but the folding consistency deteriorates due to tape shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static bracket into a dynamic roller assembly that can rotate and adjust axially. The edge folder roller rotates on a support member and can move axially along the support member, allowing it to dynamically adapt to tape position variations and maintain consistent folding despite tape shifting within the applicator.
2Manufacturing precision
If the edge folder roller is fixed, then the alignment is precise, but it cannot accommodate tape shifting due to tolerances and offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The edge folder roller is designed to rotate on the support member and move axially along it, transforming a fixed alignment structure into a dynamic one. This allows the roller to self-align and accommodate tape position variations caused by component tolerances, offset tape positions, and layer telescoping while maintaining precise folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment assembly with biasing members enables the edge folder roller to automatically adjust its position and orientation in response to tape variations. The system self-corrects for misalignment without external intervention, allowing the roller to maintain optimal positioning despite tape shifting within the applicator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional rollers and alignment assembly are added, then the adaptability to tape shifting improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions: it acts as an axial guide for the edge folder roller, provides a rotation axis, and works with biasing members to enable axial movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability to tape shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members automatically adjust the axial position of the edge folder roller based on tape position variations. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or manual adjustments, achieving high adaptability through simple passive components that respond automatically to tape shifting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape applicator configured for applying a tape to a carton (e.g., for sealing and/or assembling the carton). The tape applicator may include an edge folder assembly having an edge folder roller operatively coupled to a support member that allows the edge folder roller to rotate around the support member. The edge folder assembly may also include an alignment assembly (e.g., a self-alignment assembly) that allows the edge folder roller to move axially along the support member. The alignment assembly may comprise one or more biasing members (e.g., springs, or the like) and/or one or more restraining members (e.g., washers, or the like) to aid in allowing the edge folder roller to rotate and/or move axially with respect to the one or more support members in order to account for shifting of the tape transversely through the tape applicator.