Tape Tension Control for Container Group Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying adhesive tape around groups of containers are unable to achieve high productivity due to synchronization issues between the tape reel and unwinding rollers, leading to potential tape tears and inconsistent adhesive application.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rotating carousel with motorized rollers and a compensation device, utilizing a photocell or ultrasound for maintaining correct tape tension by synchronizing the speed of the rollers and detecting tape position to prevent tears and ensure continuous adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed of the reel and unwinding roller are not perfectly synchronized, then productivity can be maintained, but the tape tension becomes incorrect leading to tape tears and inconsistent adhesive application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a photocell detection system that monitors the position of the tape between the reel and unwinding roller. When the tape deviates from the correct position indicating tension issues, the photocell triggers a feedback signal to adjust the speeds of the reel and unwinding roller, ensuring consistent tape tension while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical synchronization mechanisms with an optical detection system (photocell) that provides more precise and reliable monitoring of tape position and tension, enabling better control without sacrificing productivity
2Reliability
If a compensation device is added to detect tape position and maintain correct tension, then tape application reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photocell as an intermediary detection device that non-contactlessly monitors tape position. This optical intermediary provides reliable detection without adding complex mechanical sensors or contact-based measurement systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity while improving reliability
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 solution enables high productivity in forming groups of containers with continuous adhesive tape application, effectively addressing synchronization challenges and maintaining tape tension, thus preventing tears and ensuring consistent adhesive application.
Implementation Method 1
means for detecting the position of the portion of tape comprised between the section 6c for separation from the reel 6 and the preliminary unwinding roller 9, and such means comprise the photocell 12
Implementation Method 2
a tape 5, drawn from a reel 6, which is mounted on a roller 6a that is motorized by the motor 6b; it is important to note that said tape 5 has, on the surface in contact with the reel 6, a layer of adhesive that has no discontinuities
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying, around groups of two or more containers, a tape provided on one surface with adhesive without discontinuities, which comprises a carousel provided with plates shaped so that each one accommodates a group of containers to be wrapped together with the tape, a drum for cutting and transferring portions of tape of a length necessary to wrap each group, a roller for unwinding the tape for feeding the drum, a roller for preliminary unwinding of the tape from a reel, adapted to feed the unwinding roller with the interposition of a compensation buffer and a device for compensating the tension of the tape between the reel and the preliminary unwinding roller.