Adjustable Radial Roll Loading Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roll handling machines are inefficient in handling rolls of varying diameters, as they require different shaped distributors for small and large diameters, leading to reduced productivity and the need for alternating motion devices, which hinder the overall production line efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A rotating member with angularly spaced radial elements that can adjust or be replaced to accommodate rolls of different diameters, allowing for continuous or alternating motion based on the roll size, optimizing the device's configuration for handling both small and large diameter rolls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If radial arms are made long enough to handle large-diameter rolls, then large rolls can be handled, but small rolls cannot be handled properly as the arms press against accumulated rolls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different roll diametersVSAvoidproper handling of small rolls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radial elements are made adjustable in their angular position around the rotation axis. This allows the geometry of the receiving seats to be dynamically modified according to the diameter of rolls being handled, enabling the same device to properly accommodate both small and large diameter rolls without the arms pressing against accumulated rolls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If alternating motion devices are used to handle large-diameter rolls, then large rolls can be processed, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle large-diameter rollsVSAvoidrolls processed per unit time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows dynamic adjustment of radial element positions to accommodate large-diameter rolls while maintaining continuous rotation capability. This eliminates the need for alternating motion, as the adjusted geometry enables proper handling of large rolls during continuous operation, thus maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same rotating distributor device can handle both small and large diameter rolls by adjusting the radial element positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different specialized devices for different roll sizes, maintaining continuous operation and high productivity across varying product specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If differently shaped distributors are used for small and large rolls, then each roll size can be optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized handling for specific roll sizesVSAvoidnumber of different distributor configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple fixed-shaped distributors, the invention uses a single distributor with dynamic radial elements that can adjust their angular positions. This allows the receiving seat geometry to be modified on-demand according to roll diameter, achieving optimized handling for different roll sizes without requiring multiple different distributor configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor is segmented into multiple independent radial elements that can be individually adjusted. This segmentation allows each radial element to be positioned optimally for the specific roll diameter being handled, providing optimized handling without requiring completely different distributor designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11878885B2Device for loading rollson a machine comprising said device

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 MAXIMA SRL

AI summary

A device (5) for loading rolls (R) in a machine (1) includes a rotating member (6) that rotates around an axis (A) of rotation and having a plurality of radial elements (17A, 17B, 17C, 17D; 17E) spaced angularly with respect to each other. The radial elements define receiving seats (16) for rolls. At least one of the receiving seats (16) is suitable for assuming at least two distinct configurations for receiving and handling rolls (R) of different radial dimensions.