Bag Winder With Fixed Spindles and Air Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag machine winders face limitations in speed and complexity, particularly with rotating turrets and pneumatic device compatibility, which restrict their ability to operate efficiently at higher speeds and with pneumatic systems beyond 30 cycles per minute.
Innovation Solution
A winder design featuring two fixed-position spindles with alternative film paths, an over-speed nip, and air nozzles for film direction, along with conveyor belts and static pinners, allows for higher speed operation and easy air connections, enabling the use of pneumatic devices at 40 cycles per minute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating turret with multiple spindles is used, then winding capacity is improved, but device complexity increases and air connections become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating turret is divided into multiple independent fixed-position spindles (first spindle, second spindle) that operate separately. Each spindle has its own film path and can wind independently, eliminating the need for complex rotation mechanisms while maintaining multi-spindle winding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the turret to position spindles, the invention inverts the approach by having fixed spindles and rotating/switching the film path. The film is directed to different fixed spindles through path switching mechanisms, reversing the traditional rotation concept.
2Productivity
If a rotating turret is used, then multiple spindles are achieved, but pneumatic device compatibility deteriorates at speeds over 30 cpm
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is segmented into separate air connections for each fixed spindle. This allows independent pneumatic control at each station without the interference and timing conflicts that occur in rotating turret systems, enabling reliable operation at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic film path switching mechanisms (such as movable guides or air-blown diverters) that can rapidly redirect film between fixed spindles. This dynamic switching replaces the mechanical rotation, allowing pneumatic devices to operate at higher cycle speeds without mechanical interference.
3Productivity
If a push off palm is used with rotating turret, then roll removal is achieved, but interference and crashes between components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The roll removal function is segmented and assigned to each fixed spindle individually. Each spindle has its own push-off mechanism positioned locally, eliminating the need for a single large rotating push-off palm that interferes with other components. The segmented approach allows simultaneous or sequential roll removal without component crashes.
4Device complexity
If a single fixed spindle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but speed is limited due to roll removal time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixed spindles are merged into a single winder system that operates in parallel. While maintaining the simplicity of fixed-position spindles, the system combines multiple winding stations to process film continuously, eliminating the speed limitation imposed by sequential roll removal on a single spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous winding action by switching between multiple fixed spindles. While one spindle is being used, another can be prepared or having its roll removed, ensuring that the winding process never stops. This continuous operation eliminates the idle time associated with single-spindle roll changes.
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 winder achieves higher cycle speeds and lower count rolls, simplifies air connections, and reduces complexity by eliminating the need for rotating turrets, while allowing for efficient film guidance and separation, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
air nozzles for film direction
Implementation Method 2
An over speed nip may be provided between the infeed nip and the alternative film paths to separate rolls or to separate all bags
Implementation Method 3
Conveyor belts along the alternative film paths can be used to guide the film
Implementation Method 4
Static pinners can be used to help bold the bags to the conveyor
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for making and winding bags is disclosed. The film approaches the infeed nip on the surface of a roller and on a film guide recessed in the roller for an arc of at least 10, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. The film is preferably guided to one of two alternative film paths. An over speed nip may be provided between the infeed nip and the alternative film paths to separate rolls or to separate all bags. An overlapper can be included. Rods that travel in an elliptical orbit, and/or air nozzles can be part of the overlapper. Air nozzles or a rotating brush can direct the film to the appropriate alternative path. Banders can be used, and can include a conveyor for providing tape to the spindle and two sources of air.