Adjustable Pintle Adapter Mechanism for Coil Core Gripping

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for gripping cardboard core coil packs during material transfer are labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly when dealing with variable inner diameters, impacting overall process efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable, pintle-style adapter mechanism with adjustable tapered finger plates that ride on a sloped groove, allowing secure gripping of the core ID through axial motion, reducing human interaction and process time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually expanding an adapter inside the core and installing lock bolts to squeeze the flanges axially against the core, then the core is securely gripped, but the process is labor intensive and impacts overall process time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic expanded position through axial movement of the activator. The spring-loaded fingers automatically expand when the adapter is axially moved, eliminating manual intervention and reducing process time while maintaining secure gripping of the core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter mechanism is self-actuating through axial movement. The spring-loaded fingers automatically engage and expand to grip the core when the adapter is axially positioned, eliminating the need for manual expansion and lock bolt installation, thereby reducing labor intensity and process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manually expanding an adapter inside the core and installing lock bolts to squeeze the flanges axially against the core, then the core is securely gripped, but the process is labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter mechanism is self-actuating through axial movement. The spring-loaded fingers automatically engage and expand to grip the core when the adapter is axially positioned, eliminating the need for manual expansion and lock bolt installation, thereby reducing labor intensity and process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic expanded position through axial movement of the activator. The spring-loaded fingers automatically expand when the adapter is axially moved, eliminating manual intervention and reducing process time while maintaining secure gripping of the core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If using a fixed adapter size, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate variable inner diameters of cardboard cores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter structure complexityVSAvoidcore size adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic expanded position through axial movement of the activator. The spring-loaded fingers automatically expand when the adapter is axially moved, eliminating manual intervention and reducing process time while maintaining secure gripping of the core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is divided into multiple spring-loaded fingers that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows the adapter to accommodate variable inner diameters of cardboard cores while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each finger operates independently to adapt to different core sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The mechanism provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective gripping of cardboard core coil packs, accommodating varying core sizes with minimal manual adjustment, thus enhancing production speed and reducing labor costs.

Implementation Method 1

Adjustable, tapered finger plates ride on a sloped groove that positions them along the diameter of the cardboard core. These finger plates securely grip the ID of the core with only the axial motion of the activating cylinder.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20250282573A1Adjustable coil adapater mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 REEL POWER LICENSING CORP

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method for providing pay-out head utilized in unwrapping elongated materials with adjustable pintle flanges that allow for keeping a coil pack stay concentric on the head during the unwrapping.