Automated Roll Handling Device for Packaging Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face interruptions and operational challenges during roll changes due to the need for precise positioning and handling of rolls with flat or film material, which can be disrupted by deviations in roll dimensions or orientation, leading to potential malfunctions and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automated handling and exchange of rolls, utilizing a gripping and handling device equipped with sensors and cameras for precise parameter detection and alignment, allowing for fault-tolerant operation and smooth roll replacement, even with deviations in roll dimensions or orientation, by recording and adjusting operational parameters such as roll width, thickness, and winding regularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual positioning and repositioning of rolls is performed to ensure correct direction of rotation, then operational reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to interruptions in the packaging process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple rolls with correct orientation in a magazine before the packaging process begins. This allows automatic selection and supply of rolls in the correct direction of rotation without manual intervention during operation, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic roll selection and supply mechanisms that autonomously identify and provide rolls with the correct orientation. The magazine system automatically manages roll inventory and selection, eliminating the need for manual positioning and repositioning while maintaining continuous packaging operations.
2Reliability
If precise positioning of new rolls is implemented to guarantee smooth replacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by pre-positioning rolls with correct orientation in the magazine before operation begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex real-time positioning mechanisms during roll replacement, as rolls are already oriented correctly for automatic selection and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with optical detection devices and automated control systems. These devices detect roll parameters and control the supply mechanism to automatically provide rolls in the correct orientation, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If optical detection devices with high resolution are used to detect roll parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using optical detection devices to detect only the specific roll parameters that are critical for correct operation (such as orientation and basic dimensions) rather than analyzing all possible parameters in detail. This selective detection approach maintains sufficient measurement precision while significantly reducing data processing time and computational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding, providing, handling and/or exchanging rolls (12, 20) having flat and/or film material which is wound onto said rolls and serves as packaging material (22) for the packaging of piece goods, multipacks or similar assemblies of articles. In the device and method, at least approximately completely unwound and/or used up rolls (20) are removed from at least one installation position (EB1, EB2) of a packaging machine (14), whereupon in each case a new roll (12) having flat and/or film material is installed in the installation position (EB1, EB2) in question, wherein new rolls (12) of the packaging machine (14) are provided in a defined feeding and are installed there by means of at least one gripping and/or handling device (16) in the installation position (EB1, EB2) in question, after a used up roll (20) has previously been removed therefrom. At least the positions of the rolls (12) in the region of the defined feeding and/or provision and/or the gripping and/or handling device (16) and/or the movement space (46) thereof are detected by means of space surveillance devices (42) and at least the the movements of the gripping and/or handling device (16) are controlled in the region of the defined feeding and/or provision for the rolls (12) as a function of the acquired spatial, movement and/or sensor data (40).