Automatic Positioning Group for Plastic Film Winding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machines for winding plastic film onto bobbins require manual intervention to adjust accessory elements for different core diameters, leading to human error, safety risks, and production stoppages, especially when handling thin films and varying bobbin diameters.

Innovation Solution

An automatic positioning system using oscillating contact rolls and transversal cutting blades, actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders and rotating cams, adjusts positions based on core diameters without human intervention, ensuring correct and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of accessory elements is used for different core diameters, then the machine can handle varying bobbin sizes, but human error and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different core diametersVSAvoidhuman error in positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the core diameter and positions the contact roll and cutting blade without human intervention. The control unit receives signals from detection means and autonomously actuates the positioning mechanisms, eliminating manual adjustment and associated human errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment by operators is replaced with an automated control system that uses detection means, a control unit, and actuation mechanisms to position accessory elements. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with an automated control system eliminates human error in positioning.

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

2Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to adjust positioning levers, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but production stoppages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual positioning flexibilityVSAvoidproduction stoppage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions the contact roll and cutting blade based on detected core diameter before the winding operation begins. By performing the positioning action in advance and automatically, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention during production cycles, maintaining flexibility while preventing stoppages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine automatically performs positioning adjustments without requiring operator intervention. The control system detects core diameter variations and autonomously actuates positioning mechanisms, maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating production stoppages caused by manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If operators enter the machine for adjustment, then direct control is possible, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect operator controlVSAvoidsafety risks to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs all positioning adjustments automatically without requiring operators to enter the machine. The control unit autonomously detects core diameter and actuates positioning mechanisms, eliminating direct operator exposure to moving parts and cutting blades while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Direct manual control by operators is replaced with an automated control system that uses detection means and electronic control to position accessory elements. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically enter the machine, removing safety risks while preserving precise positioning control.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If contact roll position is manually adjusted, then winding quality can be optimized, but time is lost during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding uniformityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically positions the contact roll at the correct location based on detected core diameter before the winding operation begins. By pre-positioning the contact roll automatically, the system ensures optimal winding quality without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual adjustment of the contact roll position is replaced with an automated control system that detects core diameter and actuates the positioning mechanism. This substitution maintains precise contact roll positioning for optimal winding quality while eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustment operations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2938564B1Automatic positioning group in a winding machine of plastic film
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 COLINES SPA
  • EP2938564B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2938564B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2938564B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic positioning group in a machine for winding plastic film onto bobbins in order to determine the correct position of an operative oscillating element (40, 60) with respect to a core (43), i.e. a bobbin (42) of film (41) with a variation in the diameter size of the core or bobbin, wherein the operative oscillating element (40, 60) is supported at first free ends of levers (45) hinged on pins (46) associated with a frame (47) of the winding machine and oscillated by means of a relative actuator, in the group, the levers (45) extend, in an opposite position with respect to the end carrying the operative oscillating element (40, 60), in appendices (48) which collaborate with at least one pair of abutments (49, 49') positioned on a respective cam (50) rotating with respect to the frame (47) by means of an actuator (52), wherein each of the abutments (49, 49') is positioned on the cam with a different radial dimension with respect to a rotation axis (51) of the rotating cam (50). The operative oscillating element can consist of a contact roll (40) or a cutting blade (60).