Adhesive Marking for Automated Roll Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging systems face challenges in seamlessly replacing supply rolls of shrink film without manual intervention, leading to cumbersome and labor-intensive processes, especially in automated setups where the alignment of new rolls is uncertain.

Innovation Solution

A storage roll with a core and sheet or strip material featuring multiple windings, equipped with adhesive markings that provide optical recognition of the free end area's position, allowing for automated alignment and connection to the packaging system, and potentially incorporating RFID transponders for additional information storage and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment and rotation of the new roll is performed to locate the free end area, then the welding connection can be established, but the process becomes cumbersome and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll replacement processVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive marking is applied to the roll in advance during manufacturing, indicating the position of the free end area. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual alignment and rotation during roll replacement, as the marking is already in its correct position to guide the automated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced by an automated optical detection system that reads the adhesive marking. The sensor automatically detects the marking position and guides the roll replacement, substituting human-operated mechanical alignment with automated sensor-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated roll replacement is implemented without alignment markings, then labor is reduced, but the position of the free end area becomes unknown and alignment fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll replacement processVSAvoidfree end area position information
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive marking serves as an intermediary carrier of information about the free end area position. It mediates between the physical roll and the automated detection system, providing the necessary positional information that enables automated alignment without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive marking utilizes optical contrast (color or reflectivity difference) to provide visual information detectable by sensors. This optical property allows the automated system to distinguish the marking from the rest of the roll surface and determine the free end area position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the free end area is not properly secured, then roll replacement is simple, but the film material may unwind unintentionally causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll handlingVSAvoidfilm material stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive marking is applied in advance to secure the free end area to the outer layer. This preliminary securing action prevents unintentional unwinding during handling and replacement, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates the simplified and automated exchange of supply rolls, reducing the risk of film material unwinding and enabling uninterrupted packaging processes by providing clear visual and sensor-based alignment and identification of the free end area, thus streamlining the handling and integration of new rolls into the packaging machinery.

Implementation Method 1

The supply roll also has at least one adhesive marking, which is connected to an outer free end area of the flat and/or strip material and at least partially to an outer layer of the flat and/or strip material adjacent to the free end area by an adhesive bond.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3459884B1Dispensing reel with detention marking and method for dealing with flat and/or web material
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 KRONES AG
  • EP3459884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459884B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3459884B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

The present invention discloses a storage roll (5) with at least one adhesive marking (2). The storage roll (5) comprises a core (6) and flat and/or strip material (8), which is supported by a plurality of windings from the core (6). The adhesive marking (2) is at least partially bonded to an outer free end region (7) of the flat and/or strip material (8) and at least partially bonded to an outer layer (11) of the flat and/or strip material (8) adjacent to the free end region (7) by means of an adhesive bond. Furthermore, the adhesive marking (2) comprises a region without an adhesive bond and/or a non-adhesive region (4). The region without an adhesive bond and/or non-adhesive region (4) is located at the level of a termination edge (18) of the outer free end region (7).In the area without adhesive bonding and/or in the non-adhesive area (4), a perforation (17) is provided in the adhesive marking (2), via which the adhesive marking (2) can be separated to detach the free end area (7) from the outer layer (11) adjacent to the free end area (7). The invention also relates to a method for handling flat and/or strip material (8) wound onto such supply rolls (5). Furthermore, the invention relates to an adhesive marking for application to such a supply roll, wherein the adhesive marking (2) comprises at least two adhesive areas (3) and at least one non-adhesive area (4) located between the adhesive areas (3).