Tape Splicing Connector Segmentation for High-Speed Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tape dispensers face challenges in seamlessly splicing the trailing end of an unwinding tape to the leading end of a staged tape, leading to interruptions in the continuous feed of tape, especially under high tension and rapid dispensing rates.
Innovation Solution
A tape splicing system comprising a connector with a break and a peripheral edge, a leading end element that engages with the connector, and a trailing end element, where the leading end element is thinner and more pliant, and the connector is made of a thermoplastic material, allowing for secure splicing under tension and high dispensing speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional splicing techniques are used to join tape rolls, then tape continuity can be maintained, but splicing failures and interruptions occur under high tension and rapid dispensing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing system divides the connection into three separate components: a connector positioned around the running tape, a leading end element attached to the staged tape, and a trailing end element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, enabling reliable splicing at high dispensing rates
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-positioned around the running tape before the splicing operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the connector is already in place and properly oriented when the leading end element approaches, enabling rapid and reliable splicing without interruption to the high-speed dispensing process
2Ease of operation
If splicing elements are made thin and flexible to navigate narrow openings, then they can pass through dispensing equipment, but they may lack sufficient strength to withstand high tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing elements exhibit local quality variations: they are thin and flexible in regions that must navigate narrow openings and bend around rollers, while maintaining sufficient overall strength through their geometry and material properties to withstand the tensile forces encountered during high-speed tape dispensing and splicing operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is made thick and rigid to provide structural stability, then it can maintain position under tension, but it cannot be inserted around running tape
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be flexible and adaptable during insertion around the running tape, then maintain stability once positioned. The connector's ability to deform during insertion and then hold its position under tension enables both ease of operation and structural stability
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 system ensures a continuous supply of tape by securely splicing the staged tape to the running tape, maintaining tension and preventing tape slippage, even at high dispensing rates, with the splicing elements capable of withstanding significant tensile forces and flexible enough to navigate through narrow openings.
Implementation Method 1
the connector is comprised primarily of polymeric material, such as a material that melts when heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A tape splicing system, comprising : a running roll oftape having a trailing end portion and a trailing end slicing element ( 20 ) secured to the trailing end portion; a staged roll of tape having a leading end portion and a leading end splicing element secured to the leading end portion, the leading end splicing element comprising an opening; and a connector comprising an opening and a securing portion, the securing portion adapted to be secured to the leading end splicing element ( 10 ) of the staged roll, the connector being positionable around running tape ( 30 ) being dispensed from the running roll such that the running tape runs through the opening in the connector ( 1 ), wherein the leading end splicing element of the staged roll can be secured to the connector by placing the securing portion ( 4 ) of the connector into the opening of the leading end splicing element ( 70 ) while the running tape is being dispensed from the running roll, such that when the running roll becomes depleted of tape, the trailing end splicing element engages the connector so as to splice the running tape to tape from the staged roll.