Automatic Splicing Module for Flexible Web Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for splicing flexible articles, such as fabric webs, are manual, unsafe, and inefficient, particularly when trying to maintain continuity during reel changes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic splicing method and module that uses adhesive tape to splice flexible articles, allowing for rapid, efficient, and safe operation by positioning adhesive tape on one article, moving the other article to a cutting plane, cutting the first article, and pressing the cut ends together with adhesive tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual splicing is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but safety deteriorates and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs splicing operations automatically without requiring operator intervention in the critical splicing zone. The automatic splicing module handles article movement, positioning, and adhesive application, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle articles in confined spaces while maintaining continuous production operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated splicing module that uses controlled mechanical movements for article positioning and adhesive tape application. The module replaces manual hand operations with automated mechanisms that safely perform splicing without operator exposure to hazards.
2Productivity
If manual splicing is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but splicing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing system is divided into distinct functional modules: article movement means, positioning means, adhesive application means, and splicing means. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing for optimized performance of each component while working together to achieve rapid automated splicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning adhesive tape on articles before the actual splicing operation. Articles are moved to predetermined positions and adhesive is applied in advance, so that when splicing is required, the components are already prepared and positioned, enabling rapid assembly without delay.
3Productivity
If continuous splicing operations are implemented, then productivity improves, but operational complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic splicing module is designed to handle multiple functions within a single integrated system: it can move articles, position them precisely, apply adhesive tape, and perform the splicing operation. The module can accommodate different article types and splicing configurations, providing versatile continuous operation capability without requiring separate systems for each function.
4Manufacturing precision
If adhesive tape positioning is manual, then flexibility is maintained, but precision deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive tape is positioned and applied to articles in advance during the article movement and positioning phases, before the actual splicing operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment and eliminates time-consuming adjustments during the critical splicing moment, as the adhesive is already in place at the correct location.
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 method enables continuous, rapid, and efficient splicing cycles, improving operator safety and ergonomics, while allowing for choice between overlapping or end-to-end splicing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
pressing a cut end of the first article held at the cutting plane against the end that is to be spliced belonging to the second article in order to stick them together using the adhesive tape
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically splicing a first article, unwound from a first reel, to a second article wound around a second reel, the articles being flexible and in the form of webs or strips. According to the invention, the method comprises steps consisting in: positioning an adhesive tape on an end that is to be spliced belonging to the second article; automatically moving a portion of the first article to a cutting plane situated facing the end that is to be spliced belonging to the second article; holding the portion of the first article downstream of the cutting plane with respect to the first reel; cutting the first article transversely; automatically moving the end that is to be spliced belonging to the second article as far as the cutting plane; and pressing a cut end of the first article at the cutting plane against the end that is to be spliced belonging to the second article in order to stick them together using the adhesive tape.