Paper-Tape

The Paper Tape uses a three part mechanism to secure paper sheets together, allowing for a more sustainable alternative to fasteners such as tape. The three stages are cutting, folding and tucking, leaving a secure joint using only the material put in.

The design features an injection molded upper and lower plastic body, accurately aligning the internal rolling mechanism. An aluminum support guard extrudes from the side of the body to confirm proper alignment between the upper and lower body.

The exploded view above shows every part down to the screw for the Paper-Tape. All components modeled dimensionally accurate using SolidWorks. The plastic shell is modeled to include all necessary bosses and ribs, along with proper wall thickness for a clam shell fit. It is modeled to the point of manufacture.

Progress Gallery

Initial ideation sketching and mental work-through

Prototyping cut and fold patterns for the paper to find best solution. Variables such as level of security, ease of cut, ease of fold and consistency are all taken into account.

Functional Prototype made from Lego to test how paper will feed through the cutting and folding wheel. The cutting wheel cuts out a small V shape in the paper, where it continues on to be folded back.

Another functional prototype 3d-printed to test paper feed and fold action. You can see the cut paper being separated by the divider which in turn will fold back the paper as it is continually fed through. This separation is created using a slope on the paper surface where the sheet follows the curve but the small triangle cut continues straight - then catching the divider.

Many rough foam models were produced to finalize the overall form, taking into account ergonomics, feasibility and aesthetic form.

Beginning to 3d-print half of the plastic enclosure.

Half of plastic enclosure.

Final check on ergonomics.

Using SolidWorks a fully accurate model was created, consisting of every single component inside and out. All components are modeled for manufacture, with inner support ribs/bosses and no undercuts.