SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING POLYMER FASTENERS

摘要

A dispensing device (100) is configured to dispense polymer fasteners from a strand of oriented shape memory polymer configured to expand laterally and contract longitudinally when heated. The dispensing device includes a strand dispenser (101) arranged to dispense the strand. A strand metering mechanism (102) is operable in conjunction with the strand dispenser to dispense a predetermined length of the strand. A cutting mechanism (103) is configured to cut the strand to form a polymer fastener of predetermined length.

主权项

1. A device, comprising:
a strand dispenser configured to dispense a strand of an oriented shape memory polymer configured to expand laterally and contract longitudinally when heated, the strand dispenser including at least two grippers that operate cooperatively to dispense the strand, wherein the strand dispenser comprises a first structure and a second structure, the first and second structures configured to rotate relative to one another, wherein a first relative movement of the second structure relative to the first structure causes the strand dispenser to dispense the predetermined length and a second relative movement of the second structure relative to the first structure causes the cutting mechanism to cut the strand at the predetermined length; and wherein:
the strand dispenser includes first and second grippers; and during the second movement:the second gripper grips the strand; the first gripper allows movement of the strand within the first gripper; and the first and second grippers move apart from one another; a strand metering mechanism configured to be operable in conjunction with the strand dispenser to dispense a predetermined length of the strand; and a cutting mechanism configured to cut the strand to form a fastener of the predetermined length.