Wheeled Tape Applicator with Roller and Laser Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applying adhesive tape to connect mats in large gyms is challenging due to the need for a crouched position, difficulty in maintaining alignment, and the requirement for a second operation to smooth the tape, leading to potential weak connections.
Innovation Solution
A tape machine with a base, wheels, uprights, a tape roll housing, a roller, and a cutter that can be actuated to cut the tape, along with a laser guide for alignment, allowing for efficient and aligned tape application between mats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive tape is applied manually from a roll, then the tape can be applied to connect mats, but the operator must work from a crouched position which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A wheeled applicator device serves as an intermediary between the tape roll and the mat surface. The device includes a roller that contacts the mat surface and a tape dispensing mechanism that feeds tape to the roller, allowing the operator to push the device along the mat edge while standing upright.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from manual hand-held tape application to a wheeled device that moves along the ground surface. By adding the dimension of wheel-based movement, the operator can maintain an upright posture while the device handles the low-level contact with the mat surface.
2Reliability
If tape is applied manually to ensure effective connection, then the tape must be smoothed or pressed down, but this requires a second operation beyond applying the tape
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator device combines the tape application function and the smoothing/pressing function into a single integrated operation. The roller simultaneously applies the tape to the mat surface and presses it down to ensure proper adhesion, eliminating the need for a separate smoothing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller component performs multiple functions: it guides the tape onto the mat surface, presses the tape down to ensure adhesion, and can be used to smooth the tape after application. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate operations needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If tape is applied while crouched to maintain alignment, then proper positioning along the mat border can be achieved, but it is difficult to maintain consistent alignment throughout the process
Solution Approach 1:
A guide wheel or alignment mechanism serves as an intermediary that contacts the mat surface and maintains the applicator device in proper alignment with the mat edge. This mechanical guide ensures consistent positioning without requiring the operator to manually adjust alignment while crouched.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device includes alignment features such as side wheels or guides that provide continuous feedback on the device's position relative to the mat edge. If the device drifts from proper alignment, the guide mechanism provides resistance or visual indication that prompts the operator to correct the position.
4Productivity
If tape is applied manually in large gyms with many mats, then connections can be made between mats, but the process becomes challenging and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeled applicator device serves as a mechanical intermediary that handles the physically demanding aspects of tape application. The operator simply pushes the device along the mat edges while it automatically dispenses and presses the tape, dramatically reducing operator fatigue compared to manual application.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device is pre-configured with a large tape roll and all necessary components for tape application before entering service. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for frequent interruptions to replace tape or adjust the application mechanism during extended use across multiple mats.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape machine includes a base, one or more wheels connected to the base, one or more uprights extending upwards from the base, a roller connected to the base, and a tape roll housing connected to the uprights and configured to receive a roll of tape therein to allow for rotational unwinding of the roll of tape. A cutter connected to the base and moveable between an idle position and a cut position. A blade on the cutter is moveable to cut the tape when in cut position.