Hand tape applicator and system including same

A tape application system comprising:

• a tape entry module comprising an input tape;
• a hand tape applicator connected to the tape entry module, wherein the hand tape applicator module comprises:
• a body;
• a roller mechanism connected to the body and configured to apply the input tape to a substrate, wherein the roller mechanism comprises:
• a head;
• a tape roller extending along a roller axis between a first end and a second end of the tape roller, wherein the tape roller is connected to the head at each of the first and second ends;
• and
• a first connector that connects the first end of the tape roller to the head and a second connector that connects the second end of the tape roller to the head;
• and
• a force sensor connected to the head, wherein the force sensor is configured to detect a force between the tape roller and the head and provide a signal indicative of the force;
• and
• data acquisition equipment connected to the tape entry module and the hand tape applicator module;
• wherein the first connector comprises a first actuator and the second connector comprises a second actuator.

A method comprising:

• disposing a tape on a surface of a substrate utilizing a hand tape applicator that comprises a roller mechanism comprising a head and a tape roller connected to the head at a first end and a second end of the tape roller;
• detecting a force between the tape roller and the head while disposing the tape on the surface of the substrate;
• communicating a signal indicative of the force;
• and
• adjusting the force between the tape roller and the head while disposing the tape on the surface of the substrate based upon the signal;
• wherein adjusting the force comprises adjusting a first actuator connected to a first end of the tape roller and a second actuator connected to a second end of the tape roller.