Auxiliary Alignment Device for Winding Cores

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning winding tubes in manufacturing processes are time-consuming, inflexible, and prone to errors, especially when dealing with different product sizes and winding cores, often requiring manual marking and rigid devices that are not adaptable.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary device with a stop means and alignment means that can be easily adjusted and used for various winding cores, featuring a determinable relationship between the stop and alignment components, allowing for flexible alignment and secure positioning of the winding tube relative to a reference, using optical and/or acoustic alignment aids like lasers for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual marking methods are used to align winding cores, then alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment operationVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical marking operations with an optical alignment system. The device uses optical elements (such as lasers or alignment lights) to project reference marks and guide the operator in aligning the winding core with the core holder, eliminating the need for manual marking and measurement operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an auxiliary alignment device as an intermediary between the winding core and the core holder. This device includes reference marks, optical elements, and positioning features that mediate the alignment process, providing visual guides and mechanical references that simplify the alignment operation without requiring manual marking of the core itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If rigid alignment devices are used for specific winding core sizes, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the devices become inflexible and cannot adapt to different product sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different core sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable and movable components in the alignment device. The auxiliary device includes adjustable reference marks, movable optical elements, and flexible positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different winding core diameters and lengths, allowing the same device to maintain precise alignment across multiple product sizes rather than requiring fixed rigid structures for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the auxiliary alignment device to serve multiple functions and accommodate multiple winding core sizes. The device includes universal reference systems, scalable optical guides, and adjustable positioning features that can be configured for different core dimensions, making a single device suitable for various product sizes rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If operators climb into the machine to find reference points for alignment, then accurate positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference point positioningVSAvoidalignment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces external reference marks and optical alignment elements that are positioned on the core holder or machine structure rather than requiring the operator to physically access internal reference points. These intermediary alignment aids project visual guides and reference indicators that can be observed and used for positioning without the operator needing to climb into the machine interior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for physical access to reference points with optical measurement and alignment systems. Lasers, alignment lights, and visual reference markers provide the necessary positioning information remotely, allowing operators to perform alignment from a safe distance without manually reaching into the machine to locate reference points.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3219652B1Help device for aligning a winding core and method for aligning a winding core
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP3219652B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3219652B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3219652B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention describes an auxiliary device (10) for aligning a winding sleeve (2), in particular on a sleeve holder (3) of a winding machine (4), against a reference (1), comprising an auxiliary body (11) with a stop (12) designed to bear against a counter-stop (5) of the winding sleeve (2). The present invention further comprises a method (100) for aligning a winding sleeve (2) against a reference (1).