Hand-Carried Taping Machine Non-Powered Guide System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-held taping machines are inadequate for applying insulating tape to large or non-uniformly shaped objects, such as generator end windings, due to difficulties in controlling tape overlap and navigating non-linear paths, and the manual process is labor-intensive and requires gloves to handle fiberglass tape, which can be a skin irritant.
Innovation Solution
A hand-carried taping machine with a powered gear set and a non-powered guide system, featuring a C-shaped gear and rollers for guiding the applicator head along the object, allowing for controlled tape application and movement along complex paths without permanent engagement, thus enabling precise and efficient taping of elongated objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hand-held taping machine is used to apply tape to large or non-uniformly shaped objects, then the automation advantage of taping machines is achieved, but the machine cannot properly control tape overlap and navigate non-linear paths
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is divided into multiple independent rollers (first roller, second roller, third roller) that can independently contact and guide the object. Each roller handles a specific portion of the guidance task, allowing the machine to navigate complex non-linear paths while maintaining precise control over tape application.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-powered guide system acts as an intermediary between the powered applicator head and the object being taped. The guide rollers temporarily engage with the object to guide it through the taping process without requiring permanent engagement or complex powered guidance mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual taping is performed on generator end windings, then flexibility to handle non-linear paths is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires protective gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is designed to be non-powered and self-operating. The rollers passively guide the object through the taping process using the object's own movement and gravity, eliminating the need for additional powered guidance systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system allows for dynamic adjustment during operation. The rollers can temporarily engage with the object when needed for guidance and disengage when not required, providing flexibility to handle various non-linear paths while maintaining automated tape application.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide system uses permanent engagement with the object, then precise guidance is achieved, but the object cannot be moved freely along non-linear paths
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rollers engage with the object periodically rather than continuously. They contact the object when guidance is needed and disengage when the object moves between guide points, allowing both precise tape placement during engagement and freedom of motion during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system changes its state from engaged to disengaged based on the object's position and the required guidance. This parameter change allows the system to provide precise guidance when needed while permitting free movement along non-linear paths when the rollers are not in contact with the object.
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 machine allows for controlled tape placement and overlap on non-linear paths, reducing labor intensity and improving handling safety by maintaining the object in proximity to the tape reel, facilitating efficient taping of large or irregularly shaped objects like generator end windings.
Implementation Method 1
a powered gear set operably coupled to the body and powered by a drive system; an applicator head including a substantially C-shaped gear in meshing engagement with the powered gear set such that the substantially C-shaped gear rotates about the application axis under control of the drive system
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rolling bearings mounted to the body about the opening in the body, wherein the substantially C-shaped mounting plate includes a bearing surface for engagement with the plurality of rolling bearings
Implementation Method 3
a non-powered guide system operably coupled to the body for guiding the applicator head along the elongated object with transient engagement with the elongated object such that the elongated object is maintained in a vicinity of the reel of tape
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-carried taping machine for taping an elongated object is disclosed. The machine includes a powered gear set operably coupled to a body and powered by a drive system. An applicator head includes a substantially C-shaped gear in meshing engagement with the powered gear set such that the substantially C-shaped gear rotates about an application axis under control of the drive system, and a tape reel mount for rotatably mounting a reel of tape on the substantially C-shaped gear for rotation about the application axis and application of the tape to the elongated object. A non-powered guide system operably couples to the body for guiding the applicator head along the elongated object with transient engagement with the elongated object such that the elongated object is maintained in a vicinity of the reel of tape.