Tape Applicator Head With Liner-Preserving Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying adhesive-backed tape on substrates are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and incapable of maintaining consistent and accurate application, with limitations in roll size and production speed, leading to inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A robotic tape applicator system with a flexible conduit and spool payout device, controlled by a system controller, ensures accurate and consistent tape application, allowing for longer tape lengths and complex paths, minimizing human intervention and reducing downtime through automated spool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the tape, then bonding coverage is maximized, but stringy adhesive deposits and voids are more likely to form
Solution Approach 1:
The tape width is divided into multiple discrete adhesive application zones (first, second, third zones) rather than applying adhesive continuously across the entire width. This segmentation prevents stringy deposits by isolating adhesive application to specific regions where it is needed for structural bonding, while leaving gaps between zones that prevent excessive adhesive accumulation and void formation.
2Strength
If the number of adhesive zones is increased to improve bonding, then bond strength increases, but the complexity of the applicator head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head uses a segmented adhesive application approach with three distinct zones along the tape width, each served by separate adhesive delivery systems. This provides enhanced bonding capability through multiple zones while maintaining manageable complexity by using a modular design where each zone can be independently controlled and adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive application system incorporates adjustable parameters including adhesive flow rates, application pressures, and zone positioning that can be dynamically optimized. This allows the system to achieve high bond strength through flexible control of multiple variables rather than requiring a fixed complex structure, enabling adaptation to different bonding requirements.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied in multiple zones across the tape width, then bonding performance improves, but the number of adhesive applicators required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application system is divided into three distinct zones across the tape width, with each zone having its own adhesive applicator. This segmentation enables independent control of adhesive application in each zone, optimizing bonding performance for different regions of the composite structure while maintaining a manageable number of applicators through targeted zonal coverage rather than uniform application.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An applicator head for applying an adhesive tape on a surface or substrate, wherein the adhesive tape comprises a material and at least one removable liner, the applicator head comprising: an application tip; a cutting mechanism positioned adjacent an outer most point of the application tip; a positioning device is configured such that the cutting mechanism severs the material while maintaining the at least one removable liner intact.