Bridge Crane Pin Mechanism for Parent Reel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling parent reels in paper converting plants are inefficient, unsafe, and lack automation, leading to challenges in safe and efficient transfer and orientation within the production process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a supporting apparatus with rotating platforms, expandable pins, and a bridge crane with automatic control systems to securely and efficiently position and orient parent reels, ensuring the smoother side faces outward for proper unwinding and reeling, utilizing sensors and actuators for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling methods are used for parent reels, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pins as intermediary elements that facilitate the secure attachment of parent reels to the bridge crane. These pins act as mediators between the crane's gripping mechanism and the reel core, enabling safe and reliable handling while maintaining relatively simple system architecture. The pins ensure firm engagement during transfer operations without requiring complex clamping or securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling operations with an automated bridge crane system that uses controlled mechanical engagement through pins. This substitution eliminates manual labor risks while maintaining mechanical simplicity, achieving enhanced safety and reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If automated control systems are introduced, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge crane system incorporates automatic control capabilities that enable it to perform transfer operations autonomously. The system can independently position, engage, and transfer parent reels using the pin mechanism, reducing the need for external control infrastructure and minimizing the complexity increase associated with automation while significantly improving handling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated bridge crane system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple operations (positioning, engaging pins, transferring reels, orienting them) within a single integrated platform. This universal approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one cohesive unit, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If pins are inserted into parent reel cores, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that facilitate easy insertion and removal. The pins can be quickly engaged with the reel cores and securely locked in position, and just as easily disengaged when needed. This dynamic design maintains high attachment reliability while preserving operational simplicity and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate, modular components: the bridge crane, the pins, and the reel cores with insertion holes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pins for secure engagement and the cores for easy insertion - achieving both reliable attachment and ease of operation simultaneously.
4Manufacturing precision
If rotating platforms are used for orientation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating platforms are designed with circular geometry that enables smooth, precise rotation of parent reels. The circular motion provides inherent mechanical advantage for achieving accurate orientation positions. This geometric approach delivers high manufacturing precision for reel positioning without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional guiding systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platforms are positioned at appropriate heights that facilitate easy engagement with the bridge crane's pin mechanism. By aligning the rotation axis and engagement points at equipotential levels, the system achieves precise orientation capability while minimizing the need for complex elevation adjustment mechanisms or additional actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for the handling of parent reels in paper converting plants, comprising the following steps: (a) providing at least one platform with a base adapted to support a parent reel in a waiting station and at least one unwinder (S) adapted to receive said reel in an unwinding station where the parent reel is unwound; (b) positioning a parent reel (1) on the platform at the waiting station; (c) transporting the parent reel (1) along a predefined path from said platform to said unwinder (S) by means of a bridge crane (CP) equipped with movable arms (BC). The step (c) is preceded by a first step consisting in the temporary association of two pins (P) to the arms (BC) of the bridge crane (CP) and by a second step consisting in inserting the two pins (P) in two opposite bases of the parent reel (1) using the same arms (BC); and the step (c) involves the transport of the reel (1) along a path comprising at least one ascending or descending portion with the pins (P) thus inserted into the parent reel (1).